Compact, dual band thermal imaging spectrometer for geoscience and remote sensing

NGAS has developed a novel, flexible concept for a compact, low weight and power, dual band hyperspectral imaging spectrometer .The instrument is designed to simultaneously operate in the 3 to 5 um and 8 to 14 um wavelength ranges, enabling key observations in geoscience remote sensing missions, including geological and mineralogical mapping, atmospheric chemistry measurements, and thermal imagery with spectral discrimination of materials and species. With modest changes to the grating and optical design the instrument can operate in dual bands at wavelengths ranging from 2 um to 26 um. These measurements address crucial science goals for diverse targets, including volcanic activity, biodiversity of forest areas, mineralogy of remote areas, and atmospheric pollutants [1, 2]. Here we present design parameters and performance that can be achieved using this instrument.