FITCHBURG, Mass. – Electro-optics specialist Headwall Photonics Inc. in Fitchburg, Mass., is introducing the Hyperspec Chlorophyll Fluorescence spectral imaging sensor for hyperspectral crop science, climatology, and other applications to study plant and crop photosynthesis from unmanned aircraft.
The sensor is small and light enough for use aboard many of today's commercially available unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), manned aircraft, and orbiting satellites. It collects chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) data with a hyperspectral sensor.
The Hyperspec Chlorophyll Fluorescence sensor weighs about 13 pounds and measures 12 by 8 by 8 inches, and offers resolution below 0.2 nanometers.
The sensor collects image data across the chlorophyll fluorescence emission spectrum from 670 to 780 nanometers to exploit the important 'Oxygen-A' and 'Oxygen-B' bands. The sensor uses an all-reflective approach and Headwall's own precise diffraction gratings for high signal-to-noise performance.
The rapidly evolving need for food and biofuels on a global scale was a driver for the development of the new sensor, says Headwall CEO David Bannon. Adds Dr. Lawrence Corp of NASA, "since Chlorophyll fluorescence signals are relatively weak, a small and light imaging sensor that can collect this data at very high resolution is a game-changer for us when it comes to learning more about our global ecosystems."
,For more information contact Headwall Photonics online at www.headwallphotonics.com.
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