LWIR/MWIR imaging hyperspectral sensor for airborne and ground-based remote sensing

We describe the design and performance of an infrared imaging spectrograph that was first used as an airborne sensor in October, 1995. This instrument, called the Spatially-Enhanced Broadband Array Spectrograph System (SEBASS), is intended to explore the utility of hyperspectral infrared sensors for remotely identifying solids, liquids, gases, and chemical vapors in the 2 to 14 mu m ''chemical fingerprint'' spectral region. The instrument, which is an extension of an existing non-imaging spectrograph uses two spherical-faced prisms to operate simultaneously in the atmospheric transmission windows found between 2.0 and 5.2 mu m (MWIR) and between 7.8 and 13.4 mu m (LWIR). Although the SEBASS instrument is designed primarily for use from and aircraft platform, it was used in March 1996 for a tower-based collection.