Review of concepts and applications for multispectral/hyperspectral focal plane array (FPA) technology

Multispectral, and ultimately hyperspectral, focal plane arrays (FPAs) represent the logical extension of two-color FPA technology, which has already shown its utility in military applications. Incorporating the spectral discrimination function directly in the FPA would offer the potential for orders-of-magnitude increase in remote sensor system performance. It would allow reduction or even elimination of optical components currently required to provide spectral discrimination in atmospheric remote sensors. The result would be smaller, simpler instruments with higher performance than exist today. Achieving these goals, however, will be difficult. There are several challenges that must be met to enable this technology. This review identifies these challenges and provides a comparison of possible technical approaches to this problem. In addition, it provides a framework for evaluation of new concepts that might be envisioned.