Performance of a long-wave infrared hyperspectral imager using a Sagnac interferometer and an uncooled microbolometer...

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Remote Sensing Technology
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Interferometer spectrometers are crucial for spectral analysis.
• Sagnac interferometers offer unique advantages in optical path stability.
• Microbolometer array detectors enable infrared detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present field and laboratory measurements of a Sagnac interferometer spectrometer.
• To compare spectral signatures obtained from the developed instrument with a cryogenic IR spectrometer.
• To evaluate the sensor's image quality and signal-to-noise performance.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a Sagnac interferometer spectrometer with a microbolometer array detector.
• Conducting field and laboratory measurements.
• Comparing remotely obtained spectral signatures and analyzing image products.
• Developing and applying a parametric performance model.

Main Results:

• Spectral signatures from the Sagnac instrument closely corresponded with a cryogenic IR spectrometer.
• Demonstrated high image quality in ground-to-ground and air-to-ground products.
• Signal-to-noise measurements aligned with the predictive performance model.

Conclusions:

• The Sagnac interferometer spectrometer is a viable technology for remote sensing applications.
• The developed performance model accurately predicts sensor capabilities.
• The technology shows potential for enhanced performance with cooled detectors.