Optical System for Spectral Imaging

This technology is an optical system with freeform elements that disperses and images the light from an object to a digital sensor for spectral imaging. Compared to traditional systems, which use rotationally symmetric optical systems with a separate dispersion element, the current invention is much more compact and low-cost. An optical system with freeform elements can also be designed for the object or image plane that is perpendicular to the optical axis. Furthermore, the use of freeform elements allows for greater flexibility in the design of the optical system, enabling customization for specific applications and imaging requirements.

Background: 
Hyperspectral imaging is a technique for acquiring data from the broad range of wavelengths extending beyond visible light. The technology has been found to have an extremely diverse range of applications even with an early-stage market, and many more techniques can be expected to be discovered in the near future. Most suppliers have achieved a compact form but lower costs and freeform elements are less common across their products. However, the lack of low-cost and compact hyperspectral imaging systems with freeform elements has limited the accessibility and adoption of this technology in various fields.

Applications: 

• Defense
• Healthcare
• Agriculture 
• Food inspection
• Mining and materials
• Environmental monitoring 

Advantages: 

• Compact
• Low-cost
• Free-form optical elements