Dispersive Optical Activity (DOA) based Hyperspectral-Polarimetric Imaging System

The field of imaging technology, particularly hyperspectral-polarimetric imaging, has traditionally been challenged by limitations such as large system size, high cost, and limited spectral analysis capabilities. Hyperspectral-polarimetric imaging plays a crucial role in various sectors including environmental monitoring, remote sensing, and medical imaging, and the need for more compact and cost-effective solutions with enhanced imaging capabilities is evident. Existing imaging systems often struggle to provide detailed spectral information at high speed, limiting their efficacy for real-time applications. Furthermore, the integration of these imaging systems at a chip-level poses significant challenges.

Researchers at Purdue University have now developed a tunable hyperspectral-polarimetric imaging system that directly addresses these challenges within the field. This imaging system offers superior spectral analysis capabilities in a compact and cost-effective package, with potential for integration at the chip-level. This system excels in high-speed imaging, which enhances its utility in dynamic environments or applications requiring real-time data. Because of its tunable nature, it can be adapted to focus on specific spectral bands or polarization states, which improves its versatility across a wide range of applications, from healthcare to remote sensing and industrial inspection. By offering a cost-effective, compact solution with superior imaging capabilities, this technology paves the way for the next generation of hyperspectral-polarimetric imaging.

Technology Validation:

System was tested to show transmittance data as well as rotary power Images were taken to demonstrate Monochrome, DoLP, AoLP

Advantages:

- Combination of hyperspectral and polarimetric imaging, allowing for a high level of detail in captured images

- High speed imaging demonstrated

- Chip-Level Integration

Applications:

- Food quality

- Safety inspection

- Plant health monitoring

TRL: 3

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: Hyperspectral-polarimetric imaging, tunable imaging system, compact imaging, cost-effective imaging, chip-level integration, high-speed imaging, spectral analysis, polarization states, remote sensing, industrial inspection, Cameras, CMOS, Electrical Engineering, Imaging, Mechanical Engineering