Hyperspectral imaging in the infrared using LIFTIRS. Revision 1

In this article the ideal performance for various possible designs for imaging spectrometers is discussed. Recent characterization measurements made with LIFTIRS, the Livermore Imaging Fourier Transform InfraRed Spectrometer are also presented. Hyperspectral imagers, characterized by having a large number of spectral channels, enable definitive identification and quantitative measurement of the composition of objects in the field of view. Infrared hyperspectral imagers are particularly useful for remote chemical analysis, since almost all molecules have characteristic rotation-vibration spectra in the infrared, and a broad portion of the so-called fingerprint region of the infrared spectrum lies where the atmosphere is relatively transparent, between 8 and 13 {micro}m.