
Headwall Photonics has released the Hyperspec visible and near infrared (VNIR) to short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensor for general availability. The airborne sensor is versatile and covers a broad 400 nanometres (nm) to 2500nm spectral range. High-resolution imaging is achieved through co-registered pixels using a single fore-optic input for spectral fidelity across the entire spectral range.
Designed for remote-sensing applications such as environmental monitoring and mineral exploration, the sensor is optimised for size, weight and reduced power consumption. With a weight less than 30 pounds and a small form-factor package (approximately 15 inches × 15 inches × 8 inches), the sensor is designed for use aboard a range of airborne platforms. Adding to image quality is the sensor’s wide field of view and high signal-to-noise (SNR) performance. Headwall has combined the diffraction efficiency for the VNIR and SWIR spectral regions with the quantum efficiency of the electronic subsystems.
Pixel co-registration plus aberration-corrected optics yield high spectral and spatial resolution with repeatable measurement accuracy. With diffractive optics specifically designed and manufactured by Headwall, the patented hyper-spectral sensor eliminates image aberrations such as keystone, smile or stray light and thermal variation that are typically observed with transmission-based sensors containing prisms and gratings.
Headwall’s Hyperspec VNIR-SWIR sensor is also sold with a complete airborne configuration including Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS), high-speed processor and storage and airborne Hyperspec III software for sensor control and data acquisition. The VNIR-SWIR sensor is available for delivery approximately eight weeks after receipt of order. Headwall’s application engineering team is available to assist customers with airborne integration and training.
Headwall is exhibiting at the SPIE Defense, Security and Sensing (DSS) 2014 show on 6-8 May at the Baltimore Convention Center (booth 620) in Baltimore, Maryland (US).