The use of hyperspectral imaging for remote sensing, and the development of a novel hyperspectral imager

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.