Custom Hyperspectral Systems and Applications

Composition of many industrial products is measured using near-infrared spectroscopy. For many of these applications, hyperspectral imaging can extend the sample measurement to an entire surface area. The multi-point measurement of the spectra of an extended sample is called hyperspectral imaging, because each point on the sample surface has its individual spectrum measured. The spectra can be interpreted to determine chemical identity or chemical composition of each point on the sample. The visual representation of such information is called chemical imaging. The samples can be small or large, stationary, or moving with a constant speed on a conveyor or other transport system.

There are two basic types of hyperspectral imaging systems – staring arrays and push-broom imagers. The first type has a 2D detector array looking at a scene one wavelength at a time. The wavelengths are changed in sequence, and over time, the whole data hypercube is assembled. The push-broom arrangement consists of an imaging spectrograph and a 2D detector array, and provides three outstanding advantages for high speed hyperspectral imaging (HIS):

• First, all the wavelengths are acquired at exactly the same time. Thus, the movement of the sample does not adversely affect the spectral image.
• Secondly, light throughput in a push-broom imager is 15 to 30 times higher than in tunable filters, resulting in respectively shorter image exposure time (higher image rate) in similar illumination conditions.
• Third, push-broom imaging only requires line illumination on the sample. The appropriate line illumination allows much higher light intensity directed at the sample, thus improving the signal-to-noise ratio. At the same time, the overall heat load on the sample is greatly reduced.

Middleton Research can help you develop custom hyperspectral or chemical imaging solutions. We are licensed integrators of SPECIM, Spectral Imaging Ltd, the world’s leading manufacturer of hyperspectral system components, including high quality spectrographs, spectral cameras, illumination systems and other components from the ultraviolet to the mid-infrared wavelength range. Our high-speed line camera systems are uniquely suited for moving industrial samples. For stationary samples, such as works of art, industrial parts or products, we provide or recommend the motion control systems that present the sample to the stationary line-scan camera. In other applications, a built-in scanning mirror can be used, or the camera can be moved to scan a surface. Please contact us to discuss your specific application.

High Speed Hyperspectral Chemical Imaging Product Sheet

NIR Chemical Imaging Product Sheet

Hyperspectral Products and Components