The application of large format, broadband quantum well infrared photodetector arrays to spatially modulated prism interferometers

The spatially modulated prism interferometer (SMPI) is a new type of imaging interferometer that has double the efficiency of conventional interferometers and only a fraction of the mass and volume. Its spectral resolution is independent of wavelength and slit width, an attribute made possible by generating interferograms at a pupil plane. It uses a large format, broadband quantum well infrared photodetector array to scan the interferograms digitally without moving any optical components. This enables the interferometer to make accurate measurements of target scenes that fluctuate during the scan period. Applications include detecting water sources on Mars, monitoring global warming and ozone depletion on Earth, monitoring pollution in cities, detecting chemical agents on the battlefield, and warning commercial aircraft of volcanic eruptions. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.