Electronic Military & Defense magazine was developed for engineers, program managers, project managers, and those involved in the design and development of electronic and electro-optic systems for military, defense, and aerospace applications.
Issue link: https://electronicsmilitarydefense.epubxp.com/i/146848
Technology hyperspectral data-cube can significantly improve the processing, exploitation, and rapid distribution of critical elements derived from the vast amount of collected spectral data and direct resources on the ground to the specific locations where target signatures are identified. Benefits Of Hyperspectral COTS Sensors Supporting tactical missions through the utilization of small, hyperspectral COTS sensors offers the warfighter unique capabilities and advantages in theater. Specifically, the ability to utilize common UAV platforms equipped with these small, high-performance spectral sensors allows for very streamlined processing chains and data analysis. The resulting benefits of real-time target detection are improved intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities at greatly reduced cost for widespread deployment. Other common tasks associated with hyperspectral sensing include search-and-rescue (SAR) missions, spectral tagging of objects of interest, and camouflage detection of vehicles and other weaponry. Additionally, there are other organizations that utilize COTS hyperspectral sensors for such applications as underwater mine detection, checkpoint scanning and control, and border security and interdiction. As a result of advanced techniques to costeffectively manufacture precision diffractive optics, COTS hyperspectral sensors provide high spatial and spectral resolution, high signal-to-noise performance, fast image acquisition and processing rates, and a wide field of view. An obvious question might be: Can't multispectral do all this? In a word, no. There is a wealth of additional image data collected from hyperspectral sensors that can mean the difference between quantification and characterization of key targets of interest on the ground. This is why the Figure 3: Covering the SWIR and VNIR ranges, Headwall's small and light hyperspectral sensor provides capabilities such as a very wide field of view and high spatial and spectral resolution. 26 Electronic Military & Defense ■ www.vertmarkets.com/electronics Figure 4: Key attributes to look for in diffraction gratings include gratings that are all-original rather than replicates, aberration correction, low stray light, hightemperature thresholds, small sizes, and custom groove profiles. military/defense community is so keen on establishing hyperspectral capabilities while looking for affordable sensor solutions. Hyperspectral sensors couple high-performance imagers with precision optics that disperse wavelengths for the spectral range of interest. Typical spectral regions of interest are the VNIR and SWIR, which maintain significant interest within the ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) and UAV communities. Inside certain hyperspectral sensors are high performance diffraction gratings that "manage" the light collected by the sensor. The precision of a hyperspectral image (or data cube) is a function of the quality of the diffraction grating and the sensitivity of the electronics. Additionally, in a UAV, a wide field of view afforded by the hyperspectral sensor increases the ability to see off to the side as well as directly along the flight path. This is one reason why aberration-corrected, diffractive optics are critical design attributes for sensor performance. The SWaP of COTS hyperspectral sensors dictate the platform deployment options of these sensors. These lighter and more nimble tactical UAV airframes need sensors designed for the capabilities and endurance objectives of the aircraft. The smaller and lighter the hyperspectral sensor, the less competition for available space and resources aboard the aircraft. Payload-restricted gimbals and UAVs play to the strength of hyperspectral sensors built upon the science of diffractive optics, because they embody no moving parts. Sensors are thus exceptionally light and rugged with no loss of optical precision. Chris Van Veen handles marketing at Headwall Photonics, a designer and manufacturer of hyperspectral instruments for industrial, commercial, and government markets. Application areas include defense/reconnaissance, advanced machine vision, remote sensing, medical and biotechnology, document verification, petro-chemicals, and color measurement.