Novel miniaturized hyperspectral sensor for UAV and space applications

In many hyperspectral applications it is beneficial to produce 2D spatial images with a single exposure at a few selected wavelength bands instead of 1D spatial and all spectral band images like in push-broom instruments. VTT has developed a new concept based on the Piezo actuated Fabry-Perot Interferometer to enable recording of 2D spatial images at the selected wavelength bands simultaneously. The sensor size is compatible with light weight UAV platforms. In our spectrometer the multiple orders of the Fabry-Perot Interferometer are used at the same time matched to the sensitivities of a multispectral RGB-type image sensor channels. We have built prototypes of the new spectrograph fitting inside of a 40 mm x 40 mm x 20 mm envelope and with a mass less than 50 g. The operational wavelength range of built prototypes can be tuned in the range 400 - 1100 nm and the spectral resolution is in the range 5 - 10 nm @ FWHM. Presently the spatial resolution is 480 x 750 pixels but it can be increased simply by changing the image sensor. The hyperspectral imager records simultaneously a 2D image of the scenery at three narrow wavelength bands determined by the selected three orders of the Fabry-Perot Interferometer which depend on the air gap between the mirrors of the Fabry-Perot Cavity. The new sensor can be applied on UAV, aircraft, and other platforms requiring small volume, mass and power consumption. The new low cost hyperspectral imager can be used also in many industrial and medical applications.