Imaging equipment to observe the earth from space provides data for various uses. Wavelength-discriminated imaging at a considerable distance from the earth’s surface is the basic idea behind optical earth observation. This method uses information from the electromagnetic spectrum to deliver distinctive knowledge on a global scale.
Optical filters are almost always necessary whenever optical detection is required. They help optical systems transmit a clear, strong signal to the detector or imager without unwanted optical background noise by providing more signal with less background.
Why the Atmospheric Window is Important in Optical Filter Design
The opacity of the earth’s atmosphere varies with wavelength. From almost zero to nearly full transparency, atmospheric transparency for electromagnetic radiation emitted by the earth’s surface varies considerably.
Image Credit: Iridian Spectral Technologies
The wavelength range of the atmospheric window for earth observation is roughly between 300 nm and 15 µm, essentially spanning the visible spectrum and some infrared wavelengths.
The ability to detect emissions from the earth’s surface or atmosphere depends on the electromagnetic transmission properties of the atmosphere. For instance, atmospheric absorption makes the spectral band between 6 and 8 µm largely opaque. One of the key factors in optical filter design is the spectral regime of interest.
An optical designer will suggest solutions that satisfy the user’s specified functional needs. This process revolves around the spectral region of interest.
Single band options, multispectral filters, and panchromatic imaging—which combines data from the entire visible spectrum—are some of the numerous optical filters readily available for various use cases. This article will look at single and multi-band detection to provide a quick overview of optical filter design for earth observation.
Single-Band or Multi-Band Detection?
Only one spectral region is required for signal detection in some earth observation applications. For these uses, single band-pass filters are frequently sufficient, with options varying according to the spectral signature of the emission users intend to observe.
Optical designers may advise a narrow line filter or a wider pass-band filter. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Additional design challenges arise, for instance, when different-sized detectors require filters with various dimensions.
The spectral detection window across larger format filters must be highly uniform because variations in layer thickness can quickly cause significant wavelength shifts and result in inaccurate outcomes in the earth observation data.
In other circumstances, earth observation will necessitate simultaneous detection of multiple spectral lines to extract the most significant amount of data from the satellite’s single instrument.
Given the weight and size constraints of satellite equipment and the difficulties of surviving the harsh environment of space, combining multiple optical band filters in a single, multi-zone filter array is an incredibly practical approach.
This method enables the conversion of a single detector into a multi-spectral imaging system. The foundation of the idea is different wavelength selective filtering bands aligned to specific detector pixel bands. The imaging device transforms into a miniature spectrometer with no moving parts.
Earth Observation Filters
Iridian provides robust, space-tested single-band and multi-zone filters for earth observation. Individual bandpass filters from different zones are combined to form multi-zone filters. For the multi-zone filters, two manufacturing techniques are used: butcher block assembly and photolithographically patterned monolithic array.
Both have advantages of their own. However, the needs of each user will always determine whether they are suitable for earth observation applications.
This information has been sourced, reviewed, and adapted from materials provided by Iridian Spectral Technologies.
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