Infrared absorption bands measured with an uncooled interferometric LWIR hyperspectral camera

This paper presents standoff measurements with an interferometric LWIR hyperspectral camera, which is based on a corner-cube Michelson interferometer and an uncooled microbolometer. Spectrally resolved image data may provide a more robust discrimination and, moreover, the ability to also classify and identify ROI (region of interest) materials. This is however dependent on three parameters: instrument, ROI intensity and vibrational bands. Strong vibrational bands in LWIR can be found in minerals (inorganic solids), textile fibers (polymers) and hazardous substances like toxic chemicals and explosives (smaller molecules). Spectral bands measured e.g. in textile polymers may be used in applications such as discrimination and identification of camouflage. Experimental setups and measured vibrational bands are presented, along with interpretations of vibrational frequencies in LWIR.