The Use of Hyperspectral Imaging for Remote Sensing, and
the Development of a Novel Hyperspectral Imager

Abstract

This thesis determines the potential uses of a novel technology in hyperspectral remote sensing, by
testing the capabilities of a prototype imaging spectrometer that was built using microslice technology.
These capabilities are compared to those of current hyperspectral remote sensing instruments in the
context of the requirements for various remote sensing applications. Due to the wide variety of potential
applications for hyperspectral imaging, any unique capability of a new instrument is likely to improve
a current application, or even develop a new one.

The use of microslice technology allows a 2-dimensional eld of view (FoV) to be imaged simultane
ously with a wide spectral range. Modelling of the remote sensing performance of the spectrometer
shows that this enables it to achieve a signal to noise ratio (SNR) an order of magnitude higher than
conventional hyperspectral instruments. The prototype microslice spectrometer images in the 475-650
nm wavelength range at 7 nm spectral resolution. It also images an instantaneous eld of view (IFoV)
of 260 x 52 mrad, at a spatial resolution of 2.6 mrad. Classication techniques are used on ground
based laboratory and eld test data from the instrument to demonstrate that it can accurately identify
some mineral, vegetation, and water pollutant samples.

Various trade-os can theoretically be performed on the prototype specications to develop an instru
ment with particular capabilities for a specic application. This novel design means that a greater
detector area is required than for conventional designs; but the 2-dimentsional FoV gives greater
trade-o exibility, in particular allowing the SNR to enter into the trade-o equation. This unique
capability was found to lend itself to two applications in particular: detecting water pollutants in
rivers, and detecting hydrocarbons contamination of ecosystems.