{"projectId":91917,"project":{"projectId":91917,"title":"Tunable Light-guide Image Processing Snapshot Spectrometer (TuLIPSS) for Earth Science Research and Observation","startDate":"2017-03-01","startYear":2017,"startMonth":3,"endDate":"2023-12-15","endYear":2023,"endMonth":12,"programId":18495,"program":{"ableToSelect":false,"acronym":"IIP","isActive":true,"description":"<p><strong>Objective</strong><br />New and innovative technologies will lead to flight instruments that are smaller with reduced materials, costs and build time. 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As proposed, TuLIPSS will allow: a) snapshot hyperspectral image acquisition and high light collection efficiency b) tunable adjustment of spatial and spectral resolution, and flexible selection of target wavelengths c) spectral coverage across relevant wavelengths from 400nm – 1000nm d) easy exchange of image sensors, allowing different camera formats and sensitivities e) flexibility in development of the number of input/output fiber bundles Proposed Work and Methodology The main project objectives include: - Development of high resolution fiber optic bundle components and advancement of fiber bundle technology - Development of an automatic spectral/spatial resolution tuning mechanism - Development of automatic calibration and control routines - System integration for VIS-NIR imaging range - Testing in airborne environment The basic principal of the spatial/spectral image processing methodology proposed here is the coupling of fore optics to a light-guide image processor (LIP) that distributes the incoming photons to a sensor array in a flexible, application-specific manner, describing spatial and spectral information. In this project we will develop a system capable of automatic adjustment of sampling. Three main configurations will include 400x330x30 to 250x210x80 and 150x125x250 cube size where the numbers denote the ranges in the two spatial and one spectral dimensions. The camera used to assemble the system will be PCO Edge 5.5 capable of recording relevant signals in the 400-1000 nm range. TuLIPSS will allow selection of the sub-band at selected spectral-spatial sampling. Note: the spectral range can be expanded by incorporating a second focal plane array sensitive to 1000-1900 nm range. This extension will be considered in subsequent projects. Period of Performance Duration of the project is three years: 1/1/17 – 12/31/19. Entry and Planned exit TRL The proposed system has been developed beyond the breadboard stage and is currently estimated to be at TRL 3. 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