Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of an approach to diagnosing pancreatic cystic lesions using light scattering spectroscopy. In some embodiments, the approach includes an apparatus including a spatial gating probe to isolate light reflected by the epithelial tissue of the internal cyst surface using spatial gating. In some further embodiments, the apparatus includes a scanning fiber probe that is capable of rotational and linear motion in order to scan the entire internal surface of the cyst. Use of such an approach may be advantageous to improve the accuracy of diagnosing pancreatic cystic lesions as cancerous, precancerous, or benign.

Abstract: In a method of using a polarimeter for improved mapping and perception of objects on the ground, the polarimeter records raw image data to obtain polarized images of an area. The raw image data is processed to form processed images. The processed images are enhanced, and objects are detected and tracked. The polarimeter may be in a vehicle on the ground or in the air.

Abstract: The visual inspection device comprises a first illumination device capable of illuminating an top surface of an inspection object, a second illumination device capable of illuminating a bottom surface opposite to the top surface of the inspection object and a first imaging device capable of capturing the top surface of the inspection object. A relative position of each of the first illumination device and the second illumination device and the inspection object are adjusted such that a part of the captured image captured by the first imaging device is disappeared.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for compact birefringent interferometer and Fourier Transform spectrometer which uses rotating birefringent crystal plate to produce variable optical path difference (OPD) between ordinary and extraordinary rays of the incident light travelling through the birefringent crystal plate. In one aspect, the system includes an optical birefringent interferometer and Fourier Transform spectrometer comprising a polarizing beamsplitter, a reflective mirror, a rotating and a fixed compensating birefringent plate. In another aspect, the interferometer and Fourier Transform spectrometer may further include a photodetector in order to obtain a spectrum of the incoming radiation. In yet another aspect, the interferometer and Fourier Transform spectrometer may further include a one-dimensional or two-dimensional photodetector array or in order to obtain a hyper-spectral image of the radiation source or illuminated object.

Abstract: Provided is an optical structure 100 that includes: a polarizing beam splitter A which splits input light input from an incoming plane thereof into first polarized light and second polarized light and in which split angles, which are angles formed by traveling directions of rays of the first polarized light and traveling directions of rays of the second polarized light, are acute angles; and a diffractive optical element B which is disposed at a stage subsequent to the polarizing beam splitter A and has a plurality of light transmission regions separated at a prescribed pitch. Since the diffractive optical element B having a prescribed pitch is used, the diffractive optical element B can perform deflection while having a smaller size than a Wollaston prism, and application to various fields is expected.

Abstract: A method of evaluating crystallinity includes irradiating light from below a polycrystalline silicon substrate, allowing the irradiated light to pass through the polycrystalline silicon substrate and a circular polarizing plate disposed above the polycrystalline silicon substrate, measuring an intensity of light having passed through the circular polarizing plate at a location vertically above the circular polarizing plate, notifying that there is an error in a crystallinity of the polycrystalline silicon substrate when the measured intensity of the light is out of an error margin of a predetermined criterion intensity of light.

Abstract: A laser device for additive manufacturing and an operation method thereof are provided. The laser device has a laser generation unit, a spectroscopic unit, a control unit, and a lens assembly unit. A laser beam is split into two or more beams by disposing the spectroscopic unit and the lens assembly unit. Thus, a roughness of a process surface and a process time can be reduced.

Abstract: A hyperspectral imaging system has a processor to receive hyperspectral imaging parameters and produce a series of images to be acquired at a series of retardances at a series of retardance times, a hyperspectral imaging component having an input polarizer to polarize an incoming beam of light, a liquid crystal variable retarder to receive the polarized beam of light and to produce wavelength-dependent polarized light, an output polarizer to receive the wavelength-dependent polarized light and to convert polarization state information into a form detectable as light intensity, a voltage source connected to the liquid crystal variable retarder, and a retardance controller. The retardance controller receives the series of retardances at a series of retardance times and produces a series of voltages at a series of voltage times to apply to the liquid crystal variable retarder.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for detecting events in a flow cytometer. Also provided are methods of detecting cells in a flow cytometer. Other aspects of the present disclosure include methods for determining a level of contamination in a flow cell. Computer-readable media and systems, e.g., for practicing the methods summarized above, are also provided.

Abstract: A method for measuring the dynamic stress field evolution law of a complex heterogeneous structure, comprising: preparing a transparent photosensitive resin model of a complex heterogeneous structure by means of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to serve as a test piece (S101); placing the test piece in a light path of a circularly polarized light dark field, performing continuous stress loading on the test piece, and recording images (S102); acquiring a plurality of continuously changing full-field stress fringe grayscale images according to videos generated by the image recording (S103); then acquiring grayscale value change sequences of pixel points at each position in the images (S104); and finally, calculating full-field fringe orders under continuous loading conditions according to the relation between the grayscale values and the fringe orders so as to calculate full-field stress values under the continuous loading conditions (S105).

Abstract: A light modulation apparatus includes a reflection type spatial light modulator, a polarization separating unit, a first polarization plane rotation unit, a polarization combining unit, and a second polarization plane rotation unit. The polarization separating unit separates input light, and outputs first separated light and second separated light. The first polarization plane rotation unit causes the first separated light to have P-polarization. A first region of a modulation plane of the spatial light modulator modulates the first separated light and outputs first modulated light, and a second region modulates the second separated light and outputs second modulated light. The second polarization plane rotation unit causes the second modulated light to have S-polarization. The polarization combining unit combines the first modulated light and the second modulated light and outputs output light.

Abstract: Example embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for measuring polarimetric parameters using spectroscopy are disclosed herein. Particular embodiments concern circular dichroism (CD) spectrometers that use a vertically aligned beam. In such embodiments, the solution being analyzed may have a top surface that forms a convex or concave meniscus, creating a surface through which the measuring beam passes that may refract the beam in undesirable ways. Accordingly, particular embodiments of the disclosed technology include one or more meniscus-compensating (meniscus-effect-reducing) components or subsystems. These components and/or subsystems can be used alone or in combination with one another to reduce the undesirable refractive effects caused by the meniscus at the solution's surface, thereby improving the resulting quality of the spectroscopy measurement and potentially improving the speed with which CD spectroscopy can be performed.

Abstract: A method for detecting and tracking aerial objects and vehicles comprises recording raw image data using a polarimeter to obtain polarized images of the sky. The images are then corrected for non-uniformity, optical distortion, and registration. IR and polarization data products are computed, and the resultant data products are converted to a multi-dimensional data set for exploitation. Contrast enhancement algorithms are applied to the multi-dimensional imagery to form enhanced object images. The enhanced object images may then be displayed to a user, and/or an annunciator may announce the presence of an object.

Abstract: Reflected light detecting device and method with surface reflected light components collectively be extracted/removed when detecting reflected light arising in casting light onto target-object range having non-planar surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a template substrate for use in adjusting a focus offset to detect a defect using an optical image obtained by irradiating a substrate with light emitted from a light source. The template substrate includes a first pattern constructed with a repetitive pattern that is not resolved by the wavelength of the light source, and at least one alignment mark that is arranged on the same plane as the first pattern. The alignment mark includes a second pattern constructed with a repetitive pattern that is not resolved by the wavelength of the light source, and a programmed defect that is provided in the second pattern and not resolved by the wavelength of the light source. The alignment mark includes the second pattern, and a region, where the second pattern is not arranged but a mark used in alignment is formed by contrast with a region where the second pattern is arranged.

Abstract: There is provided a method to discriminate NLE-induced signal deformation from ASE-noise on polarization multiplexed signals, in order to measure the OSNR under NLE conditions and/or characterize the NLE-induced signal deformation. In accordance with one aspect, the method is based on the acquisition of optical spectrum traces when the (data-carrying) optical communication signal is partially or completely extinguished (ASE-noise only), as well as with a live optical communication signal. Comparing traces acquired with different conditions and/or at different dates allows discrimination of the signal contribution, the ASE-noise contribution and the NLE-induced deformations on the SUT.

Abstract: A concentration calculation system calculates a concentration of the optically active substance based on a formula. The formula includes a first function representing wavelength dependence of an optical rotation of a first optically-active substance, and a second function representing wavelength dependence of an optical rotation of a second optically-active substance. In the first function, concentration of the first optically-active substance has an unknown value, and an inherent value for defining a characteristic of optical rotatory dispersion of the first optically-active substance is a known value or an unknown value within a certain limited range. In the second function, an inherent value for defining a characteristic of optical rotatory dispersion of the second optically-active substance is an unknown value.

Abstract: A spectroscope used for a microspectroscopic system includes: a collimating optical system that causes signal light to be substantially collimated light; spectroscopic optical systems and each of which includes at least one of each of spectral elements and in which a wavelength band for spectral separation varies depending on an incident angle of the signal light; at least one of each of optical receivers that detect the signal light spectrally separated by the spectroscopic optical systems; a mechanism that varies the incident angles of the signal light on the spectral elements; and a controller unit that determines the incident angles of the signal light on the spectral elements in accordance with the wavelength band for spectrally separating the signal light and controls the mechanism so as to attain the incident angles.

Abstract: A spectroscope used for a microspectroscopic system includes: a collimating optical system that causes signal light to be substantially collimated light; spectroscopic optical systems and each of which includes at least one of each of spectral elements and in which a wavelength band for spectral separation varies depending on an incident angle of the signal light; at least one of each of optical receivers that detect the signal light spectrally separated by the spectroscopic optical systems; a mechanism that varies the incident angles of the signal light on the spectral elements; and a controller unit that determines the incident angles of the signal light on the spectral elements in accordance with the wavelength band for spectrally separating the signal light and controls the mechanism so as to attain the incident angles.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphometric features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.

Abstract: An alignment method for optical axes of a composite waveplate includes rotating a rotatable waveplate, which rotates about a central axis with respect to a fixed waveplate, and adjusting the rotation angle thereof until the differences between the spectral parameters of the composite waveplate and ideal spectral parameters are smaller than preset values.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatuses, systems and methods are described herein for a spectrometer comprising at least two dispersive elements configured to receive at least one input optical signal and generate two or more pluralities of spatially separated spectral components, at least a portion of the at least two dispersive elements being implemented on a first substrate; and a single detector array coupled to the at least two dispersive elements and configured to receive and measure two or more pluralities of narrowband optical signals derived from the two or more pluralities of spatially separated spectral components, respectively.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for exciting a sub-wavelength inclusion structure, comprising: providing a first medium having a first refractive index ni and a second medium having a second refractive index nt, wherein ni>nt, wherein the sub-wavelength inclusion structure is arranged at a boundary between the first and second media, wherein the sub-wavelength inclusion structure exhibits polarizability properties; and directing light through the first medium towards the sub-wavelength inclusion structure. The angle of the incident light to the normal of the boundary, ?i, is such that, for a given set of: frequency of the light; surface density of inclusions; average polarizability of the inclusion structure at the frequency; first refractive index; and second refractive index, ?i fulfils at least one of the relations for s-polarized light and for p-polarized light described herein.

Abstract: A spectroscopic system including a light source adapted to provide a beam of illumination; an optical system adapted to provide the beam of illumination to a sample and receive a spectroscopy signal from the sample and direct the spectroscopy signal to at least one single channel detector is provided. The optical system comprises an adjustable dispersing element for directing one or more spectral features of the spectroscopy signal to the at least one single channel detector. A calibration detector is adapted to determine a set point of the adjustable dispersing element; and a source synchronization component is adapted to synchronize an operation of the light source and the at least one single channel detector. A method of calibrating a dispersing element of a spectrometer is also provided.

Abstract: A temperature insensitive (athermal) channeled spectropolarimeter (CSP) is described. The athermal CSP includes a crystal retarder formed of a biaxial crystal. The crystal retarder has three crystal axes, wherein each axis has its own distinct index of refraction. The axes are oriented in a particular manner, causing an amplitude modulating carrier frequency induced by the crystal retarder to be thermally invariant. Accordingly, a calibration beam technique can be used over a relatively wide range of ambient temperatures, with a common calibration data set.

Abstract: A spectroscopic image capturing apparatus including a light source section and an imaging section, wherein the light source section includes a light source portion, a first lens group, and a first polarizer, and the imaging section includes a second polarizer, a second lens group, an optical filter, and an imaging unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a photonically enabled complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip are disclosed. The CMOS chip may comprise a laser, a microlens, a turning mirror, and an optical bench, and may generate an optical signal utilizing the laser, focus the optical signal utilizing the microlens, and reflect the optical signal at an angle defined by the turning mirror. The reflected optical signal may be transmitted into the photonically enabled CMOS chip, which may comprise a non-reciprocal polarization rotator, comprising a latching faraday rotator. The CMOS chip may comprise a reciprocal polarization rotator, which may comprise a half-wave plate comprising birefringent materials operably coupled to the optical bench. The turning mirror may be integrated in the optical bench and may reflect the optical signal to transmit through a lid operably coupled to the optical bench.

Abstract: A circular dichroism (CD) spectrometer includes an alignment mechanism that automatically adjusts the elements thereof at appropriate positions. The spectrometer has a focusing-lens position-and-orientation adjustment mechanism which adjusts the position and the orientation of the detector-side focusing lens. It also has a detector rotation mechanism which adjusts the orientation of the detector. Firstly, a control PC monitors the CD spectrum of D form of optical enantiomers, and the adjustment mechanism adjusts the focusing lens such that the monitored CD spectrum matches the reference spectrum related to the D form. Next, the control PC moniters CD spectrum of L form of optical enantiomers, and the adjustment mechanism adjusts the focusing lens such that the monitored CD spectrum of the D and L forms become symmetrical. And, the rotation mechanism adjusts the orientation of the detector such that the intensity of the detector signal is maximized.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatuses, systems and methods are described herein for a spectrometer comprising at least two dispersive elements configured to receive at least one input optical signal and generate two or more pluralities of spatially separated spectral components, at least a portion of the at least two dispersive elements being implemented on a first substrate; and a single detector array coupled to the at least two dispersive elements and configured to receive and measure two or more pluralities of narrowband optical signals derived from the two or more pluralities of spatially separated spectral components, respectively.

Abstract: Combined spectral and polarimetry imaging and diagnostic techniques are disclosed, including an imaging system that simultaneously records spatially co-registered spectral and polarization information from an image of a target scene such as an ocular structure or material or device in an around the eye. Image acquisition and image calibration by such an imaging system or an imaging spectrometer or polarimeter are also disclosed. Methods of data storage and image display relevant to medical practice in general and ophthalmology practice specifically are further disclosed.

Abstract: A cell for a vacuum ultraviolet plasma light source, the cell having a closed sapphire tube containing at least one noble gas. Such a cell does not have a metal housing, metal-to-metal seals, or any other metal flanges or components, except for the electrodes (in some embodiments). In this manner, the cell is kept to a relatively small size, and exhibits a more uniform heating of the gas and cell than can be readily achieved with a hybridized metal/window cell design. These designs generally result in higher plasma temperatures (a brighter light source), shorter wavelength output, and lower optical noise due to fewer gas convection currents created between the hotter plasma regions and surrounding colder gases. These cells provide a greater amount of output with wavelengths in the vacuum ultraviolet range than do quartz or fused silica cells. These cells also produce continuous spectral emission well into the infrared range, making them a broadband light source.

Abstract: A method for imaging a sample, the method includes, during a single acquisition event, receiving a first polarization-encoded EM field for a first point and a second polarization-encoded EM field for a second point. The method further includes re-directing the first polarization-encoded EM field along a first pre-determined direction to a first location on a dispersing re-imager and the second polarization-encoded EM field along a second pre-determined direction to a second location on the dispersing re-imager. The method further includes spectrally dispersing the first polarization-encoded EM field to obtain a first spectrum, re-imaging the first spectrum onto a first location on a detector, spectrally dispersing the second polarization-encoded EM field to obtain a second spectrum, re-imaging the second spectrum onto a second location on the detector, and detecting the first re-imaged spectrum and the second re-imaged spectrum.

Abstract: A circular dichroism (CD) spectrometer includes an alignment mechanism that automatically adjusts the elements thereof at appropriate positions. The spectrometer has a focusing-lens position-and-orientation adjustment mechanism which adjusts the position and the orientation of the detector-side focusing lens. It also has a detector rotation mechanism which adjusts the orientation of the detector. Firstly, a control PC monitors the CD spectrum of D form of optical enantiomers, and the adjustment mechanism adjusts the focusing lens such that the monitored CD spectrum matches the reference spectrum related to the D form. Next, the control PC moniters CD spectrum of L form of optical enantiomers, and the adjustment mechanism adjusts the focusing lens such that the monitored CD spectrum of the D and L forms become symmetrical. And, the rotation mechanism adjusts the orientation of the detector such that the intensity of the detector signal is maximized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for repairing and refurbishing a microplate reader of the Flipr type which has a water cooled argon laser light source. The old laser is removed and replaced with a high power (300 to 500 mW) air cooled solid state laser as a replacement place on its own support and focused and wired to replace the old laser. The new product operates at lower power consumption yet provides accurate measurements.

Abstract: A light focusing unit and a spectrum measuring apparatus having the same are provided. The light focusing unit includes a light source section configured to emit light, a light guiding section configured to guide the light emitted from the light source section along multiple parallel light incidence paths, and a light focusing section configured to direct the light from the guiding section to be incident on a test position of a sample at different incidence angles.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a light source assembly for coupling to a photonically enabled complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip are disclosed. The light source assembly may comprise a laser, a microlens, a turning mirror, and an optical bench, and may generate an optical signal utilizing the laser, focus the optical signal utilizing the microlens, and reflect the optical signal at an angle defined by the turning mirror. The reflected optical signal may be transmitted out of the assembly to grating couplers in the photonically enabled CMOS chip. The assembly may comprise a non-reciprocal polarization rotator, comprising a latching faraday rotator. The assembly may comprise a reciprocal polarization rotator, which may comprise a half-wave plate comprising birefringent materials operably coupled to the optical bench. The turning mirror may be integrated in the optical bench and may reflect the optical signal to transmit through a lid operably coupled to the optical bench.

Abstract: A single-shot real-time spectropolarimeter for use in astronomy and other sciences that captures and encodes some or all of the Stokes polarization parameters simultaneously using only static, robust optical components with no moving parts is described. The polarization information is encoded onto the spectrograph at each wavelength along the spatial dimension of the 2D output data array. The varying embodiments of the concept include both a two-Stokes implementation (in which any two of the three Stokes polarization parameters are measured) and a full Stokes implementation (in which all three of the Stokes polarization parameters are measured), each of which is provided in either single beam or dual beam forms.

Abstract: A tunable filter including: a polarization splitter that splits input light into two linearly polarized light rays of mutually orthogonal vibration directions; a wavelength dispersion spectroscopic element that splits the two linearly polarized light rays into two spectral images having spatial spread in one direction; and a reflective spatial modulator device that modulates and reflects linearly polarized light in each wavelength region for the two spectral images independently from each other.

Abstract: A target substance-detecting apparatus for detecting a target substance in an analyte comprises a detecting device having a substrate and metal structures capable of causing a plasmon resonance arranged thereon, an illumination optical system for illuminating an incident light containing a polarization component polarized in a first direction onto the detecting device to cross the arranged metal structures, a light-receiving device for receiving light containing the polarization component polarized in the first direction and transmitted through or reflected by the detecting device, and an arithmetic unit for calculating on signals from the light-receiving device to analyze a characteristic of the analyte; the metal structures arranged at first intervals not more than 1/10 of a plasmon resonance wavelength in lines in the first direction and at second intervals not less than ¼ of the plasmon resonance wavelength and not more than the wavelength in lines parallel in a second direction.

Abstract: A Mueller ellipsometer of the type having a first rotating element on an incident beam side of a sample and a second rotating element on a reflected beam side of the sample and a detector having an integration time, having a controller for selectively and separately adjusting (1) a first angular frequency of the first rotating element and (2) a second angular frequency of the second rotating element.

Abstract: A method is for calculating an optical noise index of a signal light extraction apparatus that extracts signal light in a polarization plane by inputting signal light and a sampling pulse, different from the signal light in polarization plane by a given angle, to a nonlinear optical medium, and by passing light output from the nonlinear optical medium through an orthogonal polarizer having a polarization plane orthogonal to that of the signal light. The method includes calculating an output optical noise of the signal light extraction apparatus using a parametric gain of the nonlinear optical medium, a power of a quantum noise of the light having passed through the orthogonal polarizer, and a ratio of a power of the signal light and a power of the signal light sampled by the sampling pulse; and calculating an optical noise index using the output optical noise.

Abstract: A highly efficient vacuum ultraviolet circular dichroism spectrometer is provided; the spectrometer suitable for laboratory use or for integration into a beam line at a synchrotron radiation facility. In one embodiment, a spectroscopic circular dichroism instrument is provided; the instrument configured so as to enable circular dichroism data to be simultaneously obtained for multiple wavelengths of light. The instrument may be further configured to operate in at least a portion of the vacuum ultraviolet wavelength region.

Abstract: An optical detecting apparatus for a bio-chip, the optical detecting apparatus including: a light source system for illuminating a bio-chip with an excitation light; a fluorescent light detecting system for detecting a fluorescent light emitted by the bio-chip; and a light path altering unit for directing the excitation light emitted by the light source system to a bio-chip and directing the fluorescent light emitted by the bio-chip to the fluorescent light detecting system, wherein a cross-sectional area of the excitation light irradiated by the light source system onto the bio-chip is greater than an area of the bio-chip, and the fluorescent light detecting system detects a fluorescent image of the entire bio-chip with a single illumination of excitation light.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spectroscopic device that includes a light input unit to which light from a light source is input; optical elements; an optical deflection element; a reflector element that reflects the light emitted from the optical deflection element; and a photodetector. The optical deflection element includes a refractive index change region made of a material having an electro-optical effect and electrodes arranged to pinch the refractive index change region. The reflector element is a resonator filter having wavelength selectivity such that light having a predetermined wavelength is resonantly reflected.

Abstract: A wavelength selective switch utilizing aperture-shared optics and functionally distinct planes of operation that enables high fiber port counts, such as 1×41, and multiplicative expansion, such as to 1×83 or 1×145, by utilizing elements optimized for performance in one of the functionally distinct planes of operation without affecting the other plane.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a light source assembly supporting direct coupling to a photonically enabled complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip are disclosed. The assembly may include a laser, a microlens, a turning mirror, reciprocal and/or non-reciprocal polarization rotators, and an optical bench. The laser may generate an optical signal that may be focused utilizing the microlens. The optical signal may be reflected at an angle defined by the turning mirror, and may be transmitted out of the light source assembly to one or more grating couplers in the chip. The laser may include a feedback insensitive laser. The light source assembly may include two electro-thermal interfaces between the optical bench, the laser, and a lid affixed to the optical bench. The turning mirror may be integrated in a lid affixed to the optical bench or may be integrated in the optical bench.

Abstract: Provided is an optical device, comprising a plurality of polarizers that are arranged along a propagation direction of incident light; a first phase element that is disposed between the plurality of polarizers and that has a phase lag axis forming a prescribed angle relative to transmission axes of the polarizers arranged along the propagation direction; and a second phase element that is disposed between the first phase element and one of the polarizers arranged along the propagation direction, and that provides the incident light with a prescribed phase difference. An angle of the phase lag axis of the second phase element is adjusted such that the optical device transmits light in a prescribed wavelength region in the incident light.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for assessing Förster resonance energy transfer using polarized light. Specifically, the methods rely on measuring depolarized light emitted by fluorescent acceptor molecules.

Abstract: A cell for a vacuum ultraviolet plasma light source, the cell having a closed sapphire tube containing at least one noble gas. Such a cell does not have a metal housing, metal-to-metal seals, or any other metal flanges or components, except for the electrodes (in some embodiments). In this manner, the cell is kept to a relatively small size, and exhibits a more uniform heating of the gas and cell than can be readily achieved with a hybridized metal/window cell design. These designs generally result in higher plasma temperatures (a brighter light source), shorter wavelength output, and lower optical noise due to fewer gas convection currents created between the hotter plasma regions and surrounding colder gases. These cells provide a greater amount of output with wavelengths in the vacuum ultraviolet range than do quartz or fused silica cells. These cells also produce continuous spectral emission well into the infrared range, making them a broadband light source.

Abstract: A hyperspectral sensor or imager comprising a laser for illuminating a scene and a detector for detecting light emitted by the laser and transmitted through the scene, wherein the laser is a chirped laser arranged to output multiple pulses having different wavelength ranges, the multiple pulses being used to form an extended continuous spectrum for illuminating the scene.