Long-wave infrared hyperspectral imager based on a scanning Fabry-Pérot interferometer

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Spectroscopy
• Infrared Technology

Background:

• Hyperspectral imaging offers detailed spectral information for material analysis.
• Compact and efficient spectral imaging systems are crucial for various applications.
• Mid-infrared spectroscopy (8-15 μm) is valuable for identifying molecular fingerprints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel hyperspectral imager design.
• To demonstrate its capability for material identification through spectral analysis.
• To characterize the system's performance in the mid-infrared range.

Main Methods:

• Integration of a low-order scanning Fabry-Pérot interferometer with a thermal camera.
• Utilizing a 1024 × 768-pixel uncooled microbolometer detector.
• Employing a generalized matrix method for interferogram prediction.

Main Results:

• The hyperspectral imager operates in the 1250-666 cm⁻¹ (8-15 μm) range.
• Achieved spectral resolution between 26 and 39 cm⁻¹.
• Distinct interferograms were obtained for various substances, enabling identification.
• The matrix method accurately predicted interferogram shapes based on cavity length.

Conclusions:

• The developed hyperspectral imager is a compact and effective tool for material identification.
• The system demonstrates good spectral resolution in the mid-infrared.
• The generalized matrix method provides a predictive model for system performance.