Development and testing of an image-guided FT-IR instrument for field spectroscopy

Abstract

Standoff detection, identification and quantification of chemicals require sensitive spectrometers with calibration capabilities. We have developed a compact novel instrument that can not only provide imaging capability, bust also one that provides spectral capability of the field of view (FOV) center under the image-guided. The system employs a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer, coupled with chalcogenide glass optical fiber, and a specially designed infrared optic lens. A special kit provided by Bruker Optics is connected on the spectrometer to focus the infrared beam from the lens at the entry of the fiber. Its spectral range covers the infrared band from 1850cm -1 to 5000cm -1 and its spectral resolution could be chosen among six selected values 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32cm -1 . This paper will address the issues of image-guided spectroscopy and will show how an instrument designed for specifically imaging applications can dramatically improve the performance of the system and quality of the data acquired. The benefit of these technologies in spectroscopy can be demonstrated with a system optimally designed for detecting spectral characteristics of moving targets.