Thermal Infrared Multispectral Imaging of Minerals

For years, scientists have used thermal broadband cameras to perform target characterization in the longwave (LWIR, 812 m) and midwave (MWIR, 3-5 m) infrared. The analysis of broadband imaging sequences typically provides energy, morphological and/or spatiotemporal information. However, there is very little information about the chemical nature of the investigated targets when using such systems due to the lack of spectral content in the images. In order to improve the outcomes of these studies, Telops has developed dynamic multispectral imaging systems which allow synchronized acquisition on 8 channels, at a high frame rate, using a motorized filter wheel. An overview of the technology is presented in this work as well as results from measurements carried out on minerals. Time-resolved multispectral imaging carried out with the Telops system illustrates the benefits of spectral information obtained in a short period of time. Comparison of the results obtained using the information from the different acquisition channels with the corresponding broadband infrared images illustrates the selectivity provided by multispectral imaging for characterization of minerals.