Low-noise spectroscopic imaging system with steerable substantially coherent illumination

A spectral imaging device for capturing one or more, two-dimensional, spectral images of a sample having a sample plane, including a first spectral image during a first capture time, the spectral imaging device comprising:

• an image sensor that includes a two-dimensional array of sensors that are adapted to capture information;
• an illumination source that generates an illumination beam that is directed along an incident sample beam path at the sample;
• a beam path adjuster that selectively adjusts the incident sample beam path;
• and
• a control system including a processor that (i) controls the illumination source to generate the illumination beam during the first capture time, (ii) controls the image sensor during the first capture time to capture first information for the first spectral image, and (iii) controls the beam path adjuster to selectively adjust the incident sample beam path relative to the sample, and selectively move an incident beam center of the illumination beam in a movement pattern relative to the sample plane during the first capture time while the image sensor is accumulating the information for the first spectral image;
• wherein the movement pattern is repeated at least one cycle during the first capture time.