Computational methods for hyperspectral imaging using Fabry–Perot interferometers and colour cameras

Abstract

Recent research into new technologies for hyperspectral imaging has produced small imagers capable of very fast capture of spectral and spatial information. A design based on an electronically tunable Fabry–Perot interferometer combined with existing camera technology has been developed by VTT and is being utilized in novel applications, such as drone based and handheld hyperspectral imaging. The design allows very fast capture of hyperspectral image cubes with great spatial resolution using either a monochromatic or a colour filter array image sensor. The latter allows imaging speed and wavelength range to be further extended by computing multiple narrowband images from a single exposure. This research describes the process of computing spectroscopic data using these types of imagers and introduces software tools developed by the author for this purpose. The included articles present solutions developed during the research for building analysis software for hyperspectral imaging using high level languages. They also document computational challenges that need to be considered when utilizing colour filter arrays for hyperspectral imaging and demonstrate the feasibility of this type of imager for use in drone based imaging and laboratory conditions. The software libraries produced during the research are made publicly available under free licenses to facilitate development of new hyperspectral imaging applications using this technology. Keywords: Hyperspectral imaging, colour filter array, Fabry–Perot interferometer, software development, data analysis, machine learning