CONJUGATE-SPACE SPECTROSCOPIC IMAGER

摘要

A spectroscopic imaging apparatus collects an optical signal from a sample that is spatially limited in a first direction, but maintains its spatial integrity in a perpendicular direction. The signal is spread spectrally in the first direction to produce a two-dimensional output with a spatial direction and a wavelength spectrum direction. Components are located in conjugate space, and a kinetic mirror may be used to scan the optical signal along the spatially limited direction, thus providing a series of spatio-spectral images each corresponding to a different sample portion. The system may use a line of pump light to generate a line-shaped output signal, and pump light may counter-propagate with the optical signal. A broader optical signal may also be limited to a line shape by a spatially restrictive filter. The design of the system allows it to be compact and inexpensive.