Birefringent snapshot imaging spatial heterodyne spectrometer

High speed spectral imaging is useful for a variety of tasks spanning industrial monitoring, target detection, and chemical identification. To better meet these needs, compact hyperspectral imaging instrumentation, capable of high spectral resolution and real-time data acquisition and processing, are required. In this paper, we describe the first snapshot imaging spatial heterodyne Fourier transform spectrometer based on birefringent crystals and polarization gratings. This includes details about its architecture, as well as our preliminary proof of concept. Finally, we discuss details related to the calibration of the sensor, including our preliminary investigations into high speed data reconstruction and calibration using neural networks. With such an approach, it may be feasible to reconstruct and calibrate an entire interferogram cube in one step with minimal Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) processing.