Imaging spectrometers for future Earth observing systems

We report on continuing work at ITT to develop imaging spectrometers for future remote sensing systems operating in geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO). Preliminary notional requirements for hyperspectral imaging from GEO were established and compared with available technology. A high level trade study defined by evaluation of a signal-to-noise (SNR) based figure of merit, cost and technical risk factors selected tunable filter technology for development into a breadboard visible near-infrared imaging spectrometer. We built and tested a breadboard system using an Acousto-optical Tunable Filter (AOTF) that is currently being field tested. Our analysis shows an imaging Fourier Transform Spectrometer offers best overall value for thermal infrared imaging spectrometers in GEO.