Optically super-resolved infrared impulse spectroscopy (osiris)

A system for spectroscopic imaging comprising:

• a sample stage configured to hold a sample to be analyzed;
• a first light source configured to generate a pulse of infrared light having a predetermined duration;
• a second light source configured to generate at least one probing beam of infrared light;
• an optical system configured to direct pulses of infrared light from the first light source, and direct the at least one probing beam of infrared light from the second light source, at the sample held by the sample stage, such that a temperature change is induced in an area of the sample to be measured, wherein the duration of the pulse of infrared light is shorter than or equal to a cooling time constant of resolution scale inclusions within the sample such that the temperature change is independent of inclusion size;
• one or more light detectors configured to detect light reflected, transmitted, or re-emitted from the sample while the sample is illuminated by the at least one probing beam of infrared light;
• and
• digitization electronics configured to convert data from the one of more light detectors into signal data indicative of a chemical composition of the sample.