Characterization of hyperspectral imaging and analysis via microarray printing of dyes

The application of hyperspectral imaging requires rigorous characterization of the spatial and spectral imaging domains of the system. We present a microarray printing methodology for the testing of absorption or reflectance microscopy measurements. This controlled system can serve as a platform for inter-system calibration and provides a common framework for the development of post-processing algorithms. Calibration of the illumination at the objective plane using a transfer standard spectroradiometer allows comparison of light levels regardless of the illumination used, different apertures, and different microscopes. The method uses standard commercial optomechanical components. Printed dyes enable multiplexed testing of the spectral capability of a hyperspectral instrument. The spectral signatures of individual or blended dyes can be analyzed and applied to the testing of spectral image processing tools. Customized programming of the microarrayer allows for arbitrary patterning of dye samples onto the substrate, allowing for the testing of image processing algorithms involving the spatial distribution of spectral features.