Radiometric and design model for the tunable light-guide image processing snapshot spectrometer (TuLIPSS).

Area of Science:

• Remote Sensing
• Optical Engineering
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• The tunable light-guide image processing snapshot spectrometer (TuLIPSS) is a novel remote sensing instrument capable of capturing spectral image cubes in a single snapshot.
• Accurate optical modeling is crucial for understanding and optimizing the performance of such advanced instruments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an optical modeling application for TuLIPSS to determine absolute signal intensity.
• To assess the model's accuracy using direct comparisons with observational data.
• To explore the impact of optical components on instrument design and performance.

Main Methods:

• Numerical simulation of the integral performance of each optical element within the TuLIPSS system.
• Determination of absolute spectral intensity using surface irradiance, tabulated spectral reflectance, and a global irradiance approach.
• Validation of the optical model through direct comparison of simulated results with measured observations.

Main Results:

• The optical model shows less than 5% deviation for Lambertian-like surfaces (e.g., concrete) when using tabulated spectral reflectance.
• Deviations are less than 10% for all tested surfaces when using global irradiance information.
• The model predicts a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 10 at 10 ms exposure for low-reflectance surfaces like asphalt and water in the optimal low-cost configuration.

Conclusions:

• The validated optical modeling application is essential for the optimal design and exploration of potential applications for TuLIPSS.
• The model effectively links optical component parameters to TuLIPSS performance, enabling tailored instrument optimization.
• The study demonstrates the capability of TuLIPSS, even in its current optimal low-cost configuration, for various land cover types.