Multiple-aperture imaging spectrometer: computer simulation and experimental validation

The Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Center (LMVATC) is actively investigating alternate applications of coherently phased sparse-aperture optical imaging arrays. Controlling the relative phasing of the apertures enables these arrays to function as imaging interferometers, providing high spectral resolution as well as high spatial resolution imagery. In this paper we: a) summarize the basic theory of multiple-aperture imaging interferometers; b) illustrate the theory with Fourier transform imaging spectrometer (FTIS) simulations, using the Rochester Institute of Technology hyper-spectral scene simulator (DIRSIG) as our source of simulated input data; c) validate the theory with experimental results derived with an LM/ATC optical FTIS tested.