A Sensor for Hyperspectral Imaging Based on a Metasurface-integrated Light Detector Array

Hyperspectral imaging is a method of collecting and processing information from the electromagnetic spectrum. By having a sensor look at objects using a vast portion of the spectrum, various objects that leave spectral signatures are able to be picked up on and analyzed even more for further information. Hyperspectral imaging has applications in many fields, from agriculture and mineralogy to astronomy and physics. Improving hyperspectral imaging sensors will only further our understanding in these fields.

Researchers at Purdue University have invented a new sensor for hyperspectral imaging. This development is based upon the use of an electromagnetic metasurface with detector arrays. The metasurface is designed to spatially separate components when imaging, and directing them to different pixels of the underlying array. This strategy makes it possible to get real-time spectroscopically resolved images from sensors that are extremely small and lightweight, and so will find usage in fields such as biological sensing and pharmacology.

Advantages:

-Can image transient events

-More compact sensor

-Improved throughput and resolution

Potential Applications:

-Pharmacology

-DNA analysis

-Chemistry

-Agriculture

TRL: 2

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: Hyperspectral imaging, electromagnetic metasurface, detector arrays, real-time imaging, spectroscopically resolved images, compact sensor, biological sensing, pharmacology, DNA analysis, agriculture, mineralogy, astronomy, chemistry, physics, transient events