imec launches hyperspectral sensor for space apps, at Small Satellite 2024

07 Aug 2024

New process tech enables low-variability, uniform light sensitivity for earth observation.

This week, at the Small Satellite Conference 2024 in Utah, U.S., imec, a Belgium-headquartered research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, has launched a hyperspectral sensor dedicated space applications.

The sensor contains a line-based filter on chip, featuring a broad spectral range (450-900 nm) and high, uniform light sensitivity. It is specified to meet signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) requirements for earth observation from small satellites. Moreover, imec’s optimized process technology ensures a low sensor-to-sensor variability making these sensors suitable for satellite constellations.

The sensor is designed for applications such as monitoring of food systems, agriculture, biodiversity, water and air quality, and mining.

imec stated, “the use of spectral imaging from space is experiencing rapid growth, with many companies building constellations of small satellites to, for example, screen for plant diseases, monitor coastal areas or calculate biomass indices for forest management.”

To realize the new sensor, imec monolithically integrated specialized thin-film spectral filters on a CMV2000 sensor from ams-Osram, which has a track record in enabling space applications. The resulting sensor provides an across-flight resolution of 2048 px with a 2/3 in optical format, operating at frame rates up to 340 fps.

Multiple regions of interest

Multiple regions of interest can be defined on the sensor, providing the flexibility to serve different types of missions: the sensor can be operated at full spectral resolution or specific bands can be selected, reducing data load while increasing frame rate and SNR.

With 96 bands, the sensor’s spectral range covers 450-900 nm, equidistantly divided into accurately positioned spectral bands, with a more uniform filter transmission efficiency throughout the complete spectral range compared to the first generation.

Achieving 10 digital TDI (time-delayed-integration) stages per band, the sensor doubles the TDI capability of the detector compared to the previous generation, consequently offering maximum SNR across its entire wavelength range and allowing for more accurate detection of features, important for environmental monitoring from space.

By integrating thin-film filters monolithically onto the ams sensor, imec says it has “created a robust and stable configuration”. Unlike alternative setups that place separate optical elements between the lens and sensor, the integrated design guarantees an exceptional filter to detector alignment and is resistant to shocks, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations—a significant advantage for the harsh conditions of space.