Hyperspectral imaging systems are currently used for numerous activities related to spectral identification of materials. These passive imaging systems rely on naturally reflected/emitted radiation as the source of the signal. Thermal infrared systems measure radiation emitted from objects in the scene. As such, they can operate at both day and night. However, visible through shortwave infrared systems measure solar illumination reflected from objects. As a result, their use is limited to daytime applications. Omni Sciences has produced high powered broadband shortwave infrared super-continuum laser illuminators. A 64-watt breadboard system was recently packaged and tested at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to gauge beam quality and to serve as a proof-of-concept for potential use as an illuminator for a hyperspectral receiver. The laser illuminator was placed in a tower and directed along a 1.4km slant path to various target materials with reflected radiation measured with both a broadband camera and a hyperspectral imaging system to gauge performance.

Date Published: 13 June 2014
PDF: 12 pages
Proc. SPIE 9088, Algorithms and Technologies for Multispectral, Hyperspectral, and Ultraspectral Imagery XX, 90881A (13 June 2014); doi: 10.1117/12.2056722

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9088:
Algorithms and Technologies for Multispectral, Hyperspectral, and Ultraspectral Imagery XX
Miguel Velez-Reyes; Fred A. Kruse, Editor(s)