Search

Compressive Sensing (CS) techniques are well suited to the infrared (IR) spectral range where they can be exploited in order to reduce payload budgets, data throughput and costs. This paper presents the preliminary study of a new CS-based instrument concept for space applications. The payload was designed for on-board detection of Near Earth Object (NEO). Although some technologies needed for the payload development are not yet completely mature, the results of simulations are very promising.

An optical epifluorescence microscope, coupled to a CCD camera, a standard webcam and a microspectrofluorimeter, are used to record in vivo real-time changes in the autofluorescence of spores and hyphae in Aspergillus niger, a fungus containing melanin, while exposed to UV irradiation. The results point out major changes in both signal intensity and the spectral shape of the autofluorescence signal after only few minutes of exposure, and can contribute to the interpretation of data obtained with other fluorescence techniques, including those, such as GPF labeling, in which endogenous fluorophores constitute a major disturbance.