Coded Aperture Techniques for High-Throughput Imaging Spectroscopy

We propose the use of programmable, two-dimensional (2D) coded apertures for high-throughput imaging spectroscopy. Spatially-varying, 2D, transmissive or reflective encoded mask, such as a hadamard or bernoulli random matrix, can be leveraged to realize high-throughput variants of many standard imaging spectroscopy techniques with throughput enhancements surpassing 50-100x compared to slit-based systems. In addition, recent advances in fast-switching spatial light modulators enable the reprogramming of mask encoding on the millisecond timescale. The combination these two technologies enables a wide array of potential innovations for hyperspectral imaging systems offering high-throughput, compressive measurement, with significant operational-flexibility. In this proposal, we target the application of these techniques to the development of a high-throughput, pushbroom imaging spectrometer for planetary science applications.

Airborne/orbital imaging spectroscopy for terrestrial, lunar, martian, or planetoid orbiter missions. Hyperspectral imaging camera for lander missions. Imaging and integral field spectroscopy for astrophysical observations.

Remote sensing platform for scientific, defense, or industrial applications. Precision agriculture (or site specific crop management), and land and forest management (e.g. sustainable forest management). Industrial imaging for quality assurance/quality control (e.g. food safety inspection) and automation.

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