Hyperspectral imager, from ultraviolet to visible, with a KDP acousto-optic tunable filter

Abstract

Hyperspectral imaging in the ultraviolet to visible spectral region has applications in astronomy, biology, chemistry, medical sciences, etc. A novel electronically tunable, random-wavelength access, compact, no-moving-parts, vibration-insensitive, computer-controlled hyperspectral imager operating from 220 to 480 nm with a spectral resolution of 160 cm^-1, e.g., 2 nm at 350 nm, has been developed by use of a KDP acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) with an enhanced CCD camera and a pair of crossed calcite Glan-Taylor polarizing prisms. The linear and angular apertures of the AOTF are 1.5 × 1.5 cm² and 1.2°, respectively. Imager setup and spectral imaging results as well as analyses and discussion of various factors affecting image quality are presented.

© 2004 Optical Society of America

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