We built a hyperspectral imaging apparatus using middle-infrared light of 8–14 μm, which has a strong ability to identify organic materials, and attempted visualization of the distribution of organic materials that could not be identified by a naked eye. For this purpose, we utilized a low-cost bolometer camera (Nippon Avionics co., ltd. C100V, Japan) for its easy availability rather than an expensive mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) array sensor. To compensate for the low sensitivity of this bolometer, we adopted a Fourier-type spectroscopic system (Aoi Electronics co. ltd., Japan) using an imaging interferometer devised by the Kagawa University, Japan; this interferometer has higher light-utilization efficiency than Michelson interferometers, which are used in popular interferometry techniques.
In this study, 4 types of adhesives, 9 types of varnishes and more than 50 types of inks were put on Al plates of size 10 cm × 10 cm and were used as samples. Glossy paper for printing photos with an inkjet printer was also used as a sample. A 300 °C black body of size 15 cm × 15 cm was used as a light source. Spectra of 320 × 240 points were measured at a wavelength resolution of approximately 9 cm−1. The mirror was scanned only once. The measurement time was approximately 30 s.
Hyperspectral images of adhesives, varnishes and inks on Al plate and paper were successfully measured. Spectra over a 5 × 5-pixel neighborhoods were averaged, and the averaged spectra were compared with those measured by a commercially available Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The averaged and measured spectra had absorption peaks at the same wavelengths. Furthermore, by analyzing the measured spectra, the distribution of substances invisible to the naked eye was visualized. Our results show that if low-absorbance organic materials are put on a high-reflectance surface such as an Al plate, the middle-infrared hyperspectral imaging could be measured using a bolometer. Additionally, hyperspectral imaging of high-reflectance paper, such as glossy paper, could also be measured. Because a bolometer camera is much cheaper than an MCT array, hyperspectral imaging with such a camera has many potential applications. Moreover, an imaging interferometer, with its high efficiency of light utilization, is very suitable for the purpose.
We developed the palm size (optical unit: 73[mm]×102[mm]×66[mm]) and light weight (total weight with electrical controller: 1.7[kg]) middle infrared (wavelength range: 8[μm]-14[μm]) 2-dimensional spectroscopy for UAV (Unmanned Air Vehicle) like drone. And we successfully demonstrated the flights with the developed hyperspectral camera mounted on the multi-copter so-called drone in 15/Sep./2015 at Kagawa prefecture in Japan. We had proposed 2 dimensional imaging type Fourier spectroscopy that was the near-common path temporal phase-shift interferometer. We install the variable phase shifter onto optical Fourier transform plane of infinity corrected imaging optical systems. The variable phase shifter was configured with a movable mirror and a fixed mirror. The movable mirror was actuated by the impact drive piezo-electric device (stroke: 4.5[mm], resolution: 0.01[μm], maker: Technohands Co.,Ltd., type:XDT50-45, price: around 1,000USD). We realized the wavefront division type and near common path interferometry that has strong robustness against mechanical vibrations. Without anti-mechanical vibration systems, the palm-size Fourier spectroscopy was realized. And we were able to utilize the small and low-cost middle infrared camera that was the micro borometer array (un-cooled VOxMicroborometer, pixel array: 336×256, pixel pitch: 17[μm], frame rate 60[Hz], maker: FLIR, type: Quark 336, price: around 5,000USD). And this apparatus was able to be operated by single board computer (Raspberry Pi.). Thus, total cost was less than 10,000 USD. We joined with KAMOME-PJ (Kanagawa Advanced MOdule for Material Evaluation Project) with DRONE FACTORY Corp., KUUSATSU Corp., Fuji Imvac Inc. And we successfully obtained the middle infrared spectroscopic imaging with multi-copter drone.
We proposed the imaging-type 2-dimensional Fourier spectroscopy that is a near-common-path interferometer with
strong robustness against mechanical vibrations. We introduced the miniature uncooled infrared microbolometer arrays
for smartphone (e.g. product name: FILR ONE price: around 400USD). And we constructed the phase-shifter with the
piezo impact drive mechanism (maker: Technohands.co.Ltd., stroke: 4.5mm, resolution: 0.01μm, size: 20mm, price:
around 800USD). Thus, we realized the palm-size mid-infrared spectroscopic imager [size: L56mm×W69mm×H43mm
weight: 500g]. And by using wide-angle lens as objective lens, the proposed method can obtain the wide-field 2-
dimensional middle-infrared (wavelength: 7.5-13.5[μm]) spectroscopic imaging of radiation lights emitted from human
bodies itself
In the daily living space, measurement of the biological-substance distributions such as sebum can be realized by the
proposed method of imaging-type 2-dimensional Fourier spectroscopy. This method has the strong robustness for
mechanical vibrations. So, the spectrometer (size: 50*50mm, weight: 200g) can be produced without anti-vibration
mechanism. Moreover, the phase shifter is a core part of the spectrometer, and it is constructed by the low-price bimorph
type actuator which is depending on the vibration control of the piezoceramic in proposed method. It is appropriate as the
actuator of the phase shifter from the evaluation results of the actuator straightness and position accuracy in the midinfrared
region. As we know, the Fourier spectroscopy has a high light utilization efficiency. Therefore, the low price
microbolometer can be used as the imaging sensor. So, the low-price (10,000 U.S. dollars), compact and high portability
spectrometer can be produced. Furthermore, the much higher position accuracy in the short wavelength region is
requested as we know, the phase shift correction method has been proposed. In this paper, high performance evaluations
of the portable spectroscopy apparatus have been discussed by using the CO2 laser spectroscopy results in the midinfrared
region. Then, the phase shift correction method was explained. At the end, we demonstrated the feasibility of the
mid-infrared imaging of whole human faces without active illuminations.
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