Application of spatial light modulators for new modalities in spectrometry and imaging

Abstract

We have constructed an adaptive digitally tuned light source in the form of a de-dispersive imaging spectrograph in both the visible and near infrared spectral regions capable of illuminating a sample with appropriate energy weighted spectral bands or spatio-spectral bands that relate only to the constituents of interest to the investigator. The energy from each of the spectral resolution elements can be digitally modulated to provide a tuned weighted spectral output. A tuned light source based on this technology was adapted for use in a conventional imaging microscope system to enable direct measure of spatio-spectral features of interest. Some imagery resulting from preliminary tests on colon tissue biopsies are presented.