Hyperspectral imaging systems are finding broader applications in both the commercial and aerospace markets. It is becoming clear that to optimize the performance of these systems, their instrument transfer function needs to be tailored for each application. Vis-SWIR systems in the full 400nm to 2500nm waveband present particular design and manufacturing challenges. A single blazed grating is inadequate for a system operating in the full vis-SWIR wavelength range. In addition, optical materials and broad band coatings present a challenge for non-reflective systems. An understanding of the application and wavelengths of interest, combined with a judicious choice of a focal plane array, can then lead to an optimized system for the specific application. The ability to tailor the grating and manufacture a wide variety of grating profiles and substrate shapes becomes a significant performance enabler. This paper will discuss how the use of optical, coating, and grating design/analysis software, combined with grating manufacturing techniques assure meeting high performance requirements for different applications.

Date Published: 3 June 2015
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 9482, Next-Generation Spectroscopic Technologies VIII, 948210 (3 June 2015); doi: 10.1117/12.2180378

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 9482:
Next-Generation Spectroscopic Technologies VIII
Mark A. Druy; Richard A. Crocombe; David P. Bannon, Editor(s)