Sponsored by TelopsJul 15 2014
The Telops Hyper-Cam (Figure 1) is a remote sensing instrument delivering unprecedented performance through the combination of high spatial, temporal, and spectral resolution. This sophisticated standoff infrared hyperspectral imaging system is a versatile instrument performing remote detection, determination, and quantification. It is also suitable for field measurements.
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Figure 1. The Telops Hyper-Cam
The Telops Hyper-Cam provides characteristic spectral features of solids and gases by modulating the incident infrared radiation from the scene using a Michelson interferometer. This is followed by recording a high resolution spectrum at each pixel of a focal plane array (FPA) detector (Figure 2). The comparison of the measured spectrum against reference spectral signatures of known solids and gases allows for identification of the constituents of a target.
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Figure 2. A high resolution spectrum for each pixel
Hyper-Cam Product Line
Telops offers an array of Hyper-Cam products covering the entire spectral range. The Hyper-Cam Long-Wave (LW) is ideal for characterization of materials, minerals, and gas clouds at ambient temperature. The Hyper-Cam Mid-Wave (MW) is typically employed for characterization of target signatures, smokestacks, combustion, and gas clouds at a temperature warmer than ambient temperature. The inclusion of a portion of the shortwave infrared spectral range enables the Hyper-Cam Mid-Wave Extended (MWE) to cover an extended spectral range. Characterizing high-temperature events such as combustion and detonation is one of the applications of the Hyper-Cam MWE. The Hyper-Cam MW and MWE are offered in a «Fast» version that integrates a high speed FPA. The Hyper-Cam sensor data rate is extremely fast and its only limitation is the FPA readout time at a specific spectral resolution.
Airborne Platform
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Figure 3. The Telops Hyper-Cam airborne platform
The use of an airbone platform (Figure 3) with the Hyper- Cam allows for generating hyperspectral maps of the ground monitored from an airplane. The airborne module comprises a stabilization platform, an image motion compensation mirror, a navigation module, a Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System and all the required airborne operation software. Hyperspectral mapping applications include geology, mining and oil and gas exploration; agriculture and vegetation surveys; surveillance; environmental monitoring; and target detection and identification.
Robust Software
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Figure 4. Real-time detection and identification software for experiments involving gas leaks and releases
Real-time detection and identification software (Figure 4) is ideal for analyses involving gas leaks and releases. Detection algorithms enable the chemical imaging of multiple gases concurrently on an interactive interface. Reveal is robust research software (Figure 5) for advanced users, performing data acquisition with an optimum flexibility. Reveal Calibrate executes radiometric calibration, whereas Reveal Viewer enables browsing hyperspectral datacubes efficiently. All hyperspectral data acquired can be readily processed with Matlab and ENVI software.
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Figure 5. Reveal is robust research software for advanced users, performing data acquisition with an optimum flexibility.
Technical Specifications
The technical specifications of the Hyper-Cam product line are summarized in the following table:
| Parameter |
Unit |
Hyper-Cam LW |
Hyper-Cam MW |
Hyper-Cam MWE |
Comments |
| Spectral Range (typical) |
cm-1 |
7.7-11.8 |
3 - 5 |
1.5 - 5.4 |
Other bands and extended range available |
| Spectral Resolution |
cm-1 |
Up to 0.25* |
Computer-selectable
* Not applicable to all configurations |
| FPA Format |
pixels |
320 x 256 |
Computer-selectable windowing |
| Field of View (FOV) |
deg |
6.4 x 5.1 |
Telescopes available to change FOV |
| Typical NESR |
nW/cm2 sr cm-1 |
20 |
4 |
7 |
For a single scan at 16 cm-1 resolution, at peak wavelength |
| Radiometric Accuracy |
K |
<1.0 |
<2.0 |
<2.0 |
Using calibration module at peak wavelength |
| Acquisition Software |
Reveal Suite
Reveal D&I |
Sensor and data management suite
Real-time gas detection |
| Data Transfer |
|
Camera Link |
Long range fiber optic available |
| Power Consumption |
W |
180 |
Depends on operating conditions |
| Weight |
kg |
31 |
Includes the calibration module |
| Operating Temperature |
°C |
-20 to 40 |
Extended temperature range available |
Hyper-Cam Key Benefits
The Hyper-Cam delivers an unprecedented image quality using the 320 × 256 pixels FPA detector. Using different optics, it is easier to modify the 5.1° FOV. With a superior spectral resolution, the Hyper-Cam can very well resolve the spectral features of the targets with good selectivity. The spectral resolution is user-selectable from 0.25 cm-1 to 150 cm-1. The Hyper-Cam records hyperspectral datacubes as function of time, enabling characterization of time-dependent events such as combustion and gas cloud dispersion. As measurement time changes with acquisition parameters, the Hyper-Cam records dynamic events rapidly. The combination of low noise equivalent spectral radiance (NESR) and automated high efficiency calibration sources provides unprecedented accuracy at all times.
Applications
The Hyper-Cam is used for the following research purposes:
- Atmospheric modeling
- Urban heat islands
- Fundamental research
- Combustion analysis
The industrial applications of the Hyper-Cam include:
- Smokestacks
- Oil and gas
- Flare measurement
- Material characterization
- Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TIC)
- Gas leak detection and identification
The environmental applications of the Hyper-Cam are as follows:
- Natural gas
- Surface and emissivity studies
- Geology/mineralogy studies
- Volatile organic compounds
- Pollution monitoring
The Hyper-Cam has also found use in the following defense and security applications:
- Military target signature
- Rockets, missiles and flares characterization
- Detection of buried improvised explosive devices
- Standoff chemical detection and identification
- Chemical warfare agents
About Telops
Telops Inc., located in Quebec City, is a leading supplier of hyperspectral imaging systems and high performance infrared cameras for the defence, industrial, environmental and research industries. Telops also offers R&D services for optical systems technology development in order to respond to the specific needs of its customers.
Since its beginnings in 2000, Telops has distinguished itself with the quality of its technical personnel and its innovative approach to many technological challenges in the optics field. Today, the expertise of Telops scientists, engineers and technologists in optical technology, and the performance of its infrared cameras and hyperspectral imagers are recognized internationally.
While being headquartered in Canada, Telops caters to an international market using an efficient network of distribution and representation.
Whether you are looking for equipment, expertise or subcontracting for your optical system projects, Telops will turn your high expectations into success.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Telops.
For more information on this source, please visit Telops.