Optical Simulation and Design of Spatial Heterodyne Spectrometers for Remote Sensing Applications

Abstract

We present the optical simulation and design concept of a spatial heterodyne spectrometer (SHS) for mobile applications. A framework using Python and Zemax OpticStudio was developed for the optical system design and automated tolerance analysis from the incoming light, the spectrometer and the imaging lens system to the 2D detector. The spectrometer design and the fabrication methods were validated using a test setup in the VIS spectral range for a future SHS fabrication in the LWIR spectral band operating on small unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAV) for remote sensing applications.