A paper describes an optical stimulus that produces more consistent results, and can be automated for unattended, routine generation of data analysis products needed by the integration and testing team assembling a high-fidelity imaging spectrometer system. One key attribute of the system is an arrangement of pick-off mirrors that provides multiple input beams (five in this implementation) to simultaneously provide stimulus light to several field angles along the field of view of the sensor under test, allowing one data set to contain all the information that previously required five data sets to be separately collected. This stimulus can also be fed by quickly reconfigured sources that ultimately provide three data set types that would previously be collected separately using three different setups: Spectral Response Function (SRF), Cross-track Response Function (CRF), and Along-track Response Function (ARF), respectively.
This method also lends itself to expansion of the number of field points if less interpolation across the field of view is desirable. An absolute minimum of three is required at the beginning stages of imaging spectrometer alignment.
This work was done by Michael L. Eastwood, Robert O. Green, Pantazis Mouroulis, Eric B. Hochberg, Randall C. Hein, Linley A. Kroll, Sven Geier, and James B. Coles of Caltech, and Riley Meehan of Tufts University for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. NPO-47809
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Multi-Beam Approach for Accelerating Alignment and Calibration of HyspIRI-Like Imaging Spectrometers
(reference NPO-47809) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document titled "Multi-Beam Approach for Accelerating Alignment and Calibration of HyspIRI-Like Imaging Spectrometers" is a technical support package prepared by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) under the sponsorship of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It is part of the NASA Tech Briefs series, specifically identified as NPO-47809.
The primary focus of this document is to present a novel multi-beam approach designed to enhance the alignment and calibration processes of imaging spectrometers similar to those intended for the HyspIRI (Hyperspectral Infrared Imager) mission. Imaging spectrometers are critical instruments used in Earth observation and remote sensing, as they capture data across various wavelengths, enabling detailed analysis of the Earth's surface and atmosphere.
The multi-beam technique proposed in this document aims to accelerate the calibration process, which is essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data collected by these instruments. Calibration is a complex and time-consuming task, often requiring precise alignment of multiple optical components. The innovative approach outlined in the document seeks to streamline this process, potentially leading to significant improvements in operational efficiency and data quality.
The document also emphasizes the broader implications of this technology, suggesting that advancements in imaging spectrometer calibration could have wide-ranging applications beyond aerospace, including in fields such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, and climate science. By improving the performance of these instruments, researchers and scientists can gain better insights into various phenomena, contributing to more informed decision-making and policy development.
Additionally, the document provides contact information for further inquiries related to research and technology in this area, specifically through the Innovative Technology Assets Management at JPL. It also includes a notice regarding the proprietary nature of the information and the importance of complying with U.S. export regulations.
In summary, this technical support package outlines a significant advancement in the calibration of imaging spectrometers, highlighting its potential to enhance data collection for Earth observation missions. The multi-beam approach represents a step forward in aerospace technology, with implications for various scientific and commercial applications.
