Narrow band SWIR hyperspectral imaging: a new approach based on volume Bragg grating

Abstract

Volume Bragg grating technology has enabled the development of a new type of staring hyperspectral camera. Based on Bragg Tunable filters, these hyperspectral cameras have both high spectral and spatial resolution, and significantly higher sensitivity than competing technologies like push broom spectrometer, liquid crystal tunable filters, or acousto-optic tunable filters. They are minimally sensitive to polarization and their spectral isolation can reach 106. Here we thus present an innovative tool to collect SWIR hyperspectral data with high spectral and spatial resolution. This new instrument is based on a 3nm bandwidth Bragg Tunable Filter, continuously tunable from 1.0um and 2.5um. Because high spectral resolution also means less light per channel, a low noise custom HgCdTe (MCT) camera was also developed to meet the requirement of the filter. The high speed capability of more than 300 fps and the low operating temperature of 200K (deep cooled option to 77K) allow full frame 500 spectral channel datacube acquisitions in minimal time. Basic principle of this imaging filter will be reviewed as well as the custom MCT camera performances. High resolution hyperspectral measurements will be demonstrated between 1.0um and 2.5um on different objects.