Hyperspectral imaging is an advanced imaging technique that captures information from a wide range of wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum. It provides a detailed analysis of the chemical composition and physical properties of the objects or scenes being observed.
Hyperspectral imaging technology has numerous applications across different industries, including environmental monitoring, agriculture, food, and mineral exploration. It is used to identify and map various substances, such as minerals, vegetation health, freshness of food and pollutants, by analyzing the unique spectral signature of each substance. The high level of detail provided by hyperspectral imaging makes it a valuable tool for scientific research and industry.
Hyperspectral imaging is a powerful technology, but it also has some limitations that need to be considered. One of the most significant limitations of hyperspectral imaging is its dependence on lighting conditions. Hyperspectral sensors require a well-controlled and uniform light source to function effectively. Changes in lighting conditions, such as shadows, reflections, or variations in natural light, can affect the accuracy of the hyperspectral images.
VTT MIKES has addressing this problem with active hyperspectral imaging. What makes it unique compared to traditional hyperspectral cameras is the integrated broadband laser source. This makes it possible to apply hyperspectral imaging in several new applications that is currently limited due to insufficient lighting. The camera can be used in environments that lack natural lighting and due to low power consumption, is also applicable on battery powered mobile robot applications. VTT MIKES can develop custom solutions to customer’s requirements.
The key enabling technologies inside the active hyperspectral imager are the broadband laser source and tunable optical Fabry–Pérot interferometer filter. The laser emits broad band of different wavelengths, and the tunable filter selects a single band from this light that is used for illumination. By changing the selected wavelength between measurements, a hyperspectral image of the target can be measured.
