Abstract: A multi-channel imaging spectrometer and method of use thereof. One example of the multi-channel imaging spectrometer includes a single entrance slit, a double pass reflective triplet and at least a pair of diffraction gratings. The spectrometer is configured to receive and collimate an input beam from the entrance slit, to split the collimated beam into two spectral sub-bands using a beamsplitter, and to direct each sub-band to one of the pair of diffraction gratings. The diffraction gratings are each configured to disperse the received portion of the collimated beam into its constituent colors, and redirect the dispersed outputs through the reflective triplet to be imaged into an image sensor located at a focal plane aligned with the entrance slit.

Abstract: A multi-channel imaging spectrometer and method of use thereof. One example of the multi-channel imaging spectrometer includes a single entrance slit, a double pass reflective triplet and at least a pair of diffraction gratings. The spectrometer is configured to receive and collimate an input beam from the entrance slit, to split the collimated beam into two spectral sub-bands using a beamsplitter, and to direct each sub-band to one of the pair of diffraction gratings. The diffraction gratings are each configured to disperse the received portion of the collimated beam into its constituent colors, and redirect the dispersed outputs through the reflective triplet to be imaged into an image sensor located at a focal plane aligned with the entrance slit.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an optical system including a first lens group having a plurality of lenses, the first lens group being configured to correct for an axial chromatic aberration; a second lens group having a least one lens, the second lens group being disposed adjacent the first lens group; and a third lens group having a plurality of lenses, the third lens group being configured to correct for a lateral chromatic aberration and field curvature, the third lens group being disposed adjacent the second lens group. The first, second and third lens groups are configured to provide a wide field of view greater than approximately 20 deg., and an f-number of less than approximately F/2 in a wavelength range between approximately 8 ?m and approximately 12 ?m.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for collecting hyperspectral and polarimetric data that are spatially and temporally coincident include a dispersive element configured to receive incident electromagnetic radiation. The dispersive element is configured to disperse a non-zero order of the electromagnetic radiation into its constituent spectra, which is directed to a first focal plane array, and may be read out as hyperspectral data. The dispersive element is also configured to reflect a zero order of the electromagnetic radiation, which is directed through a polarity discriminating element to a second focal plane array, which may be read out as polarimetric data. By synchronously reading out the first and second focal plane arrays, the hyperspectral and polarimetric data may be both spatially and temporally coincident.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an optical system including a first lens group having a plurality of lenses, the first lens group being configured to correct for an axial chromatic aberration; a second lens group having a least one lens, the second lens group being disposed adjacent the first lens group; and a third lens group having a plurality of lenses, the third lens group being configured to correct for a lateral chromatic aberration and field curvature, the third lens group being disposed adjacent the second lens group. The first, second and third lens groups are configured to provide a wide field of view greater than approximately 20 deg., and an f-number of less than approximately F/2 in a wavelength range between approximately 8 ?m and approximately 12 ?m.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for collecting hyperspectral and polarimetric data that are spatially and temporally coincident include a dispersive element configured to receive incident electromagnetic radiation. The dispersive element is configured to disperse a non-zero order of the electromagnetic radiation into its constituent spectra, which is directed to a first focal plane array, and may be read out as hyperspectral data. The dispersive element is also configured to reflect a zero order of the electromagnetic radiation, which is directed through a polarity discriminating element to a second focal plane array, which may be read out as polarimetric data. By synchronously reading out the first and second focal plane arrays, the hyperspectral and polarimetric data may be both spatially and temporally coincident.

Abstract: Provided is a calibration source IR assembly for an IR detector including an IR focal plane. The calibration assembly includes a rotatable spectral filter wheel optically coupled to an IR focal plane of the detector, the filter wheel having a plurality of areas each of at least a minimum size. At least one area being a calibration area, the calibration area including: a substrate having a first side facing the IR focal plane and a second side opposite from the first side; a light transmitting edge section disposed between the first side and the second side; and at least one light redirector disposed at least partially within the substrate, the light redirector structured and arranged to receive light from the edge and to redirect the light out the first side. A light source optically coupled to the edge section. An IR detector including the improvement of such a calibration source IR assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a calibration source IR assembly for an IR detector including an IR focal plane. The calibration assembly includes a rotatable spectral filter wheel optically coupled to an IR focal plane of the detector, the filter wheel having a plurality of areas each of at least a minimum size. At least one area being a calibration area, the calibration area including: a substrate having a first side facing the IR focal plane and a second side opposite from the first side; a light transmitting edge section disposed between the first side and the second side; and at least one light redirector disposed at least partially within the substrate, the light redirector structured and arranged to receive light from the edge and to redirect the light out the first side. A light source optically coupled to the edge section. An IR detector including the improvement of such a calibration source IR assembly is also provided.