Why Hyperspectral Imaging?

For the military and first responders, detecting and identifying a potentially hazardous material requires proximal sensors. This means the user must get up close and personal with something that may turn out to be highly dangerous. Since proximal sensors were first used, people have sought a way to enable detection and identification from greater, and safer, distances. By its inherent nature, hyperspectral imaging makes remote and standoff detection and analysis possible.

Hyperspectral imaging provides a greater depth of information about a single pixel than is possible with other analysis techniques. In consequence, hyperspectral imaging is able to differentiate specific materials from a similar background. Other imaging sensors focus on a wider spectral region and therefore are unable to provide the detail inherent to hyperspectral imaging. Further, this technology enables the ability to non-destructively detect and identify materials at a distance as well as the ability to map the surface properties of a material or location. The real world applications for this technology are vast.

To take advantage of the greater detail offered by hyperspectral imagers, new software is necessary to process the wealth of information received. Spectrum Photonics is working to develop hyperspectral imaging sensors suitable for use in real world, field environments that incorporate easy to understand and operate software for non-specialists to use.

Spectrum Photonics is first focused on developing hyperspectral imaging technology for defense applications, keeping service-members out of harm’s way wherever possible. As the technology matures, Spectrum Photonics intends to transition this capability to commercial industries.