Spectral selection and image conveyance using micro filters and optical fibers

Abstract

The present invention features a fiber optic imaging system for generating a customized spectral response comprising (a) an optional optical source for generating optical energy, (b) an optical system for focusing multi spectral optical energy to form a focal surface; (b) a fiber optic element for conveying the optical energy, wherein the fiber optic element has an input end optically coupled to the focal surface to receive the optical energy and an output end to transmit the conveyed optical energy; and (c) a spectral filter optically coupled to at least one of the input and output ends of the fiber optic element, wherein the spectral filter has a filter passband configured to provide the fiber optic element with a pre-determined wavelength transmittance capacity, such that only pre-determined wavelengths of the optical energy are transmitted through the output end, thus achieving a customized spectral response. The fiber optic imaging system may further comprise an imaging array optically coupled to the output end of the fiber optic element and configured to gather the transmitted optical energy and to convert it into a data signal corresponding to an image based on the customized spectral response. An example of this type of configuration is a spectrometer.