Multi-spectral two dimensional imaging spectrometer

A multi-spectral two-dimensional imaging spectrometer comprising:

• means for producing an intermediate image of an object along an optical axis at a plane substantially coincident with a field-stop aperture of the spectrometer;
• means for dividing incident light from said intermediate image into multiple light channels;
• means for modifying each channel to produce a predetermined optical state of the intermediate image;
• and
• means for imaging each channel on a detector, thereby producing multiple two-dimensional images of the intermediate image;
• wherein said means for dividing incident light from the intermediate image into multiple light channels is positioned along said optical axis within a collimated space and substantially coincident with an exit pupil plane of preceding optics.

A multi-spectral two-dimensional imaging spectrometer comprising:

• means for producing an intermediate image of an object along an optical axis at a plane substantially coincident with a field-stop aperture of the spectrometer;
• means for dividing incident light from said intermediate image into multiple light channels;
• means for providing an aperture stop at a plane in a collimated space along said optical axis, said plane being substantially coincident with said means for dividing incident light from said intermediate image;
• means for modifying each channel to produce a predetermined optical state of the intermediate image;
• and
• means for imaging each channel on a detector, thereby producing multiple two-dimensional images of the intermediate image.

A multi-spectral two-dimensional imaging spectrometer comprising:

• means for producing an intermediate image of an object along an optical axis at a plane substantially coincident with a field-stop aperture of the spectrometer;
• means for dividing incident light from said intermediate image into multiple light channels;
• means for modifying each channel to produce a predetermined optical state of the intermediate image;
• and
• means for imaging each channel on a detector, thereby producing multiple two-dimensional images of the intermediate image;
• wherein said means for imaging each channel on a detector consists of a single optical means placed symmetrically on-axis.