Snapscan: the first hyperspectral imaging camera

Based on the experience that was built up supporting different application types using both linescan and snapshot hyperspectral systems, imec has brought the best of its system-level hardware and software expertise together to create the snapscan camera concept.

The snapscan exploits the high spectral and spatial resolution of imec’s hyperspectral linescan sensor, without the need for any external scanning movement: scanning is handled internally, using a miniaturised scanning stage. Full hyperspectral images can be acquired in a matter of a few seconds.

Currently, the maximal RAW spatial resolution that is possible to reach is 3650 x 2048px (7Mpx), with a spectral resolution of 150+ spectral bands within the 470-900nm (visible to near-infrared, VNIR) wavelength range.

Flat signal-to-noise ratios, as high as 200 over the full spectral range, have already been demonstrated thanks to software features that optimise the reconstruction and correction of hyperspectral data cubes.

“We believe our snapscan camera technology will significantly open up the market for hyperspectral imaging research and development, thanks to its incredible simplicity to create high quality datasets, essential for application validation and building spectral libraries” explains Jerome Baron, business development manager for imec’s integrated imaging and vision system teams.

“We see many additional opportunities beyond the R&D market, especially in applications like digital microscopy for pathology and cytogenetics, medical imaging for endoscopy, wound diagnostics and guided surgery, as well as in precision agriculture for unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) robotics”.

First snapscan hyperspectral imaging camera products will be demonstrated at SPIE Photonic West exhibition on booth#4333 North Hall of Moscone center in San-Francisco and will be commercially available as from April 2017.