Multispectral imaging technology got a big boost recently when the U.S. House of Representatives approved a funding bill that includes $2.5 million for development of hyperspectral imaging by Headwall Photonics (Fitchburg, MA). The funding is included in the FY10 Department of Defense Appropriations Act, which the House passed on July 30, 2009. The Senate must still approve its appropriations bill and then both chambers will have to approve a reconciled bill before it goes to the president's desk to be signed into law.
Hyperspectral imaging sensors collect image data simultaneously in dozens or hundreds of narrow, adjacent spectral bands. These measurements make it possible to derive a continuous spectrum for each image cell, enabling recognition and mapping of scanned materials like vegetation or chemicals.
Headwall Photonics will design and manufacture a new class of miniature, high performance chemical imaging sensors for deployment on small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and small unmanned ground vehicles (SUGVs). The sensors will assist the military to monitor regions of interest, support border patrol initiatives, assess chemical and biological threats, as well as assist search and rescue operations, says the company.
For more information go to: www.headwallphotonics.com.