Design and Applications of Space-borne Imaging Spectrometer Based on Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter (AOTF)

The Acousto-Optical Tunable Filter (AOTF) is an electronically tunable optical filter, which base on Acousto-optic effect, and has its own special compared with other dispersive parts. Imaging spectrometer based on acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) is a useful high-spectral technology, especially in deep space exploration applications because its characteristics of staring imaging, electronic tunable spectral selection and simple structure. In this paper, Firstly, the dispersive principle of AOTF is introduced and its application predominance in space-based spectral detection is analyzed. The relations and trade-offs are analyzed between key parameters of AOTF including the ability in spectral and spectral resolution, aperture angle, optical aperture and spectral diffracted efficiency. Based on the application specifications, imaging spectrometer based on AOTF is systematically designed to fulfill requirements, then, the feasibility of instrument's space applications is analyzed. In the end, two applications of AOTF imaging spectrometer is described, one is a payload of the airship and the other works as the inspection device for the moon.