Spectral camera with integrated filters and multiple adjacent image copies projected onto sensor array

Abstract

A spectral camera for producing a spectral output is disclosed. The spectral camera has an objective lens for producing an image, an optical duplicator, an array of filters, and a sensor array arranged to detect the filtered image copies simultaneously on different parts of the sensor array. Further, a field stop defines an outline of the image copies projected on the sensor array. The filters are integrated on the sensor array, which has a planar structure without perpendicular physical barriers for preventing cross talk between each of the adjacent optical channels. The field stop enables adjacent image copies to fit together without gaps for such barriers. The integrated filters mean there is no parasitic cavity causing crosstalk between the adjacent image copies. This means there is no longer a need for barriers between adjacent projected image copies, and thus sensor area can be better utilized.