Double Beam Interferometer for Single Shot Hyperspectral Imaging

The detector is divided into multiple detector fields that simultaneously record multiple spatial interferograms. Each detector field captures interferogram data for a specific spatial region, allowing parallel acquisition of spectral information from different areas of the scene. This segmentation enables the system to maintain high signal-to-noise ratio even with unstable light sources by distributing the measurement across multiple independent detection channels.

The patent employs a cyclical interferometer configuration where the optical path difference varies periodically, creating a cyclical pattern in the interferogram data. This periodic action allows the system to capture complete spectral information through Fourier transformation of the periodic interferogram signals, maintaining measurement precision despite light source instability.

The optical system is segmented into multiple independent beam paths, with each beam path directed to a separate detector field. This segmentation allows the system to capture spatial interferograms from different regions simultaneously, making the overall measurement less sensitive to vibrations and motion-induced beam path instability. Each segmented beam path acts as an independent measurement channel that can tolerate certain levels of disturbance.

The field of view discriminators are positioned to pre-select and define the spatial regions of interest before the light enters the interferometer. This preliminary spatial filtering ensures that only the desired field of view reaches the detector, maintaining image quality and reducing the impact of motion-induced aberrations by establishing the measurement geometry in advance.

The patent merges the field of view discrimination function with the interferometer's existing optical components. The field of view discriminators are integrated into the beam path without requiring separate, independent spatial filtering systems. This merging approach achieves spatial resolution improvement while minimizing additional device complexity by utilizing the interferometer's inherent optical architecture.

The optical components in the interferometer serve multiple functions: beam splitting, spatial filtering, and interferogram generation. The field of view discriminators not only provide spatial selection but also work in conjunction with the beam deflection units to direct light to appropriate detector fields. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

The detector is segmented into multiple detector fields that can simultaneously record multiple spatial interferograms. Each detector field is assigned to capture interferogram data from a specific spatial region or wavelength range. This segmentation enables parallel acquisition of spectral information, dramatically improving imaging efficiency while keeping the detector technology itself relatively simple and well-established.

The patent extends the measurement from a single spatial interferogram in one dimension to multiple spatial interferograms across two or more detector fields. This dimensional extension allows simultaneous recording of spectral information from multiple spatial locations or spectral regions, improving productivity by utilizing the additional spatial or spectral dimensions provided by the multi-field detector arrangement.