Hyperspectral Imaging for Military and Security Applications: Combining Myriad Processing and Sensing Techniques

Collecting airborne and spaceborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) information is mandatory for addressing the defense challenges posed in the 21st century. A key tool for increasing the information content of ISR is using advanced electrooptical devices, including hyperspectral imaging (HSI). This optical sensing technology offers high spectral resolution covering visible to long-wave infrared (LWIR) wavelengths. The increase in spectral information and spectral degrees of freedom create a unique opportunity to detect difficult targets at the subpixel level, analyze a scene without prior information of the materials to be encountered, distinguish hidden features and camouflage, identify…