A digital sensor simulator of the pushbroom Offner hyperspectral imaging spectrometer

Area of Science:

• Remote Sensing
• Optical Engineering
• Image Processing

Background:

• Hyperspectral imaging spectrometers are crucial for remote sensing applications.
• Developing and validating data processing algorithms requires accurate simulated data.
• Existing sensor simulators may lack the precision needed for advanced hyperspectral systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel digital sensor simulator for push broom Offner hyperspectral imaging spectrometers.
• To enhance the accuracy of hyperspectral data simulation for algorithm development and validation.
• To model the complex imaging characteristics of Offner spectrometers.

Main Methods:

• Developed a sensor simulator with spatial, spectral, and radiometric response modules.
• Implemented spatial interpolation-resampling before degradation to improve accuracy.
• Modeled the Offner grating optical system using configuration parameters instead of spectral response functions.
• Simulated non-uniformity effects like keystone and smile.
• Simulated spatial, spectral, and radiometric calibration processes, including uncertainty factors.

Main Results:

• The sensor simulator accurately models spatial, spectral, and radiometric responses.
• Spatial interpolation-resampling effectively reduces direction error and aliasing.
• The Offner optical system's dispersive characteristics are precisely modeled.
• Simulated calibration processes yield accurate modulation transfer function (MTF), spectral response function (SRF), and radiometric parameters.
• Experimental validation confirmed the simulator's accuracy and reliability.

Conclusions:

• The developed digital sensor simulator is a valid and accurate tool for hyperspectral remote sensing.
• The simulator can reliably forecast imaging quality and generate data for algorithm development.
• This work advances the capabilities for designing and validating hyperspectral imaging systems.