<title>Imaging LWIR spectrometers for remote sensing applications</title>

Abstract

The advent of modern focal plane arrays has paved the way for the development of imaging spectrometers for use in remote sensing applications. This paper reviews four imaging spectrometer types: the dispersive spectrometer, the tunable Fabry-Perot filter, the Michelson Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS), and the spatially modulated FTS. Moreover, this paper identifies their strengths and weaknesses and considers their application to the LWIR region as defined by the Earth's atmospheric `windows' from 7.5 - 13.5 micrometers . Each instrument type places unique requirements on the performance of the focal plane arrays. The discussion centers on the dynamic range differences and dwell time difference for these instruments.