Multichannel tunable imager architecture for hyperspectral imaging in relevant spectral domains

In this paper, we present a technique for dimensionality reduction in hyperspectral imaging during the data collection process. A four-channel hyperspectral imager using liquid crystal Fabry–Perot etalons has been built and used to verify this method for four applications: auroral imaging, plant study, landscape classification, and anomaly detection. This imager is capable of making measurements simultaneously in four wavelength ranges while being tunable within those ranges, and thus can be used to measure narrow contiguous bands in four spectral domains. In this paper, we describe the design, concept of operation, and deployment of this instrument. The results from preliminary testing of this instrument are discussed and are promising and demonstrate this instrument as a good candidate for hyperspectral imaging.