Flat Spectrum Light Source for Hyperspectral Imaging

I lead the NASA OSIRIS-REX Asteroid Sample Return Mission. We are planning for laboratory analysis of the returned samples. One goal is to perform hyperspectral imaging from 350 nm - 950 nm. We need a light source for this imaging. The preference is for a "flat" spectrum, meaning equal emission at all wavelengths, or as close as possible.

We currently do not offer any products that would be able to meet the requirements for such a wide range of wavelengths.

​For the visible wavelength range, our ABSOLUTE SERIES would be the best match, with coverage between 420-650 nm. 

Please see below for the photometric report:

https://www.waveformlighting.com/photometrics/TR_7001.50.pdf

​To supplement the low and high end of the spectrum, additional wavelength LEDs would be needed, but it would be quite difficult to achieve a fully flat or complete spectrum across the 350-950 nm wavelength range.

​Below are our 365, 395, and 850 nm wavelength LED strip light options, respectively:

https://store.waveformlighting.com/collections/realuv/products/real-uv-led-strip-lights?variant=12339996721254

https://store.waveformlighting.com/products/infrared-850-nm-ir-led-strip-light

As an alternate approach, a key objective is to perform spectral imaging under conditions similar to those that we obtained of asteroid Bennu’s surface using the MapCam broadband photometer. MapCam has four color filters (b, v, w, and x). The MapCam bands are b′ (440 to 500 nm), v (520 to 580 nm), w (670 to 730 nm), and x (820 to 890 nm) as indicated in the figure below. Can you provide light sources focused on these bands?

As far as your lighting requirements are concerned, we can certainly look into providing narrow-band sources that focus on each of those bands as an alternative to a wideband source. The only one I do see a challenge with would be the "w" channel. Please see below for my recommendations:

​b′ (440 to 500 nm): SimpleColor 460 nm

v (520 to 580 nm):​ SimpleColor 525 nm

w (670 to 730 nm): closest match would be SimpleColor 630 nm

x (820 to 890 nm): Infrared 850 nm

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this proposed solution.

As an alternative, have you looked into using an incandescent light source with a set of optical filters? This would be beyond the scope of our LED offerings, but based on your requirements, may be worth looking into for the original broadband approach.

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LED strip lightsFull spectrumUV-A LED strip lights

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