High performance cameras for hyperspectral and polarimetric imaging research : to support advanced DoD imaging technology initiatives

Abstract: "The high-performance cameras and accessories obtained through this DURIP grant provide important state-of-the-art instrumentation to the Spectral Visualization Laboratory at the Robotics Institute of Carnegie Mellon University. This research-grade instrumentation supports programs sponsored by the Army and other government agencies in hyperspectral imaging. CMU's hyperspectral imaging technology is based on the acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF), a technology that optimally exploits remote sensing in the hyperspectral domain. Our research initiatives cover from the visible-near infrared (0.4 - 1 [mu]m) spectral domain to the mid-IR (1 - 5 [mu]m) and far-IR (8 - 12 [mu]m) regions. Advantages of infrared hyperspectral imaging are greater signature differentiation, emissive (heat) signatures and superior aerosol penetration that will considerably enhance numerous DoD sponsored initiatives in automated target recognition (ATR). Examples include: better penetration through cloud cover, extended vision over sea water, and target ID under extreme ground terrain/camouflage and battlefield smoke scenarios."