Hyperspectral Imaging: A Technology to Revolutionize Remote Sensing

Hyperspectral imaging, a technology that seizes elaborated spectral particulars covering a wide range of wavelengths, has conventionally been restricted to research settings. However, with the recent emergence of commercial airborne apparatus, hyperspectral imaging is ready to transform remote sensing. The technology has scores of applications in fields such as resource handling, agriculture, mineral inspection, and ecological observation. ?

This blog covers the basics, working, and applications of hyperspectral imaging. There is also a peek into the top companies influencing the future of hyperspectral imaging. Read on!

What Is Hyperspectral Imaging?

Envision a camera that could not only observe the colors but also locate the elusive contrast in the light that the eyes miss. Unlike conventional cameras, which capture images in just three colors, red, green, and blue, hyperspectral imaging (HIS) systems disintegrate light into innumerable distinct wavelengths. This enables them to observe beyond the visible spectrum and recognize substances dependent on their distinct spectral signatures. From satellites to space drones flying above, HIS systems can be secured to several platforms to serve a wide range of applications.

Types of Hyperspectral Imaging

Line Scanning: These systems seize spectral data line by line as the sensor traverses the scene. They are normally utilized in airborne or satellite-dependent imaging.

Point Scanning: Just like line scanners, these systems cover the scene in a quid pro quo motion to collect data.

Single Shot Imaging: These systems capture the whole spectral image in a single shot, making them perfect for applications needing speedy data acquisition.

Spectral Scanning: They capture spectral data by scanning a particular area or plane covered in the scene. This procedure is frequently utilized in laboratory settings or for particular applications that need concentrated spectral analysis.

Spatiospectral Scanning: This system combines features of lie scanning and snapshot imaging. They capture spectral data in a sequence of superimposed snapshots, allowing for an elevated spatial resolution and ongoing spectral participation.

Functioning of Hyperspectral Imaging Explained

Below is a quick overview of how hyperspectral imaging functions:

Seizing and Segregating Light: As the light approaches the hyperspectral camera, it is distributed into several spectral bands. This segregation is obtained utilizing optical attributes such as prisms or diffraction gratings.

Generating Hyperspectral Image: The hyperspectral camera concurrently seizes both the spatial and spectral data of the scene. This causes a two-dimensional image where each pixel entails a distinct spectrum, a comprehensive depiction of light mirrored from that particular point in the scene.

Generating the Data Cube: The outturn of a hyperspectral imaging system is frequently visualized as a hyperspectral data cube. This cube possesses three dimensions, namely two spatial dimensions (x and y) equalling to the scene's pattern and one spectral dimension, z, that constitutes the range of wavelength captured.

Inspecting Spectral Signatures: Each substance in the scene mirrors, soaks up, and discharges light unevenly, generating a distinct spectral signature. These signatures are related to fingerprints for substances. By inspecting these spectral fingerprints hyperspectral imaging can precisely recognize and estimate the substances prevalent.

Applications of Hyperspectral Imaging

Food Standard and Security: Hyperspectral imaging plays an important part in sanctioning the security and standard of food commodities. Inspecting the spectral signatures of food commodities can locate pollutants, examine deftness and quality, inspect contamination, recognize allergens, and locate pesticide leftovers.

Environmental Monitoring: Hyperspectral imaging is a preferred method for observing ecological conditions and locating problems such as water standards, vegetation wellbeing, and land cover mapping. Inspecting the spectral signatures of several ecological attributes can offer treasured perspectives into the wellbeing of the ecosystem, recognize contamination origins, and trace alterations in land use motifs.

Mining and Prospecting: In the mining and prospecting industry, hyperspectral imaging helps in mineral inspection, ore grade evaluation, adaptation mapping, geological mapping, and ecological observation. Inspecting the spectral signatures of minerals and geological attributes can assist in recognizing probable mineral deposits, examining their standards, and observing the ecological influence of mining operations.

Major Companies Offering Hyperspectral Imaging Solutions

Here’s a look at the top companies offering hyperspectral imaging solutions:

Corning Incorporated: Corning's operations are constantly evolving to meet the needs of industries and consumers. At the moment, they accelerate and alter the automobile, optical communication, mobile consumer electronics, health sciences, and display industries. With dependent products that accelerate drug detection, development, and transportation to save lives, they are transforming the face of the world.

Imec: Imec is one of the world’s biggest individualistic research and innovation centers for nanoelectronics and digital technology. As the chip lab of the world, Imec propels the progression that fuels today's more advanced technology. By making chips compact, speedier, cost-effective, and greener, they address the most acute global provocations such as climate change, contamination, attainable healthcare, and green food provision.

To Conclude

For years, hyperspectral imaging has frequently needed high costs and time-absorbing processing technologies to generate relevant data. This has restricted its usage in R&D and alternate academic applications. For several consumers, price remains the prominent problem, but expectantly, these cameras will be more economical as the technology gets more hands-on experience.