Spectral imaging using single-axis spectrally dispersed illumination.

Spectral imaging is a powerful tool for a wide variety of applications; however, low imaging rates and signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) often limit its use for many biomedical applications. Here, we present a technique for spectral imaging using a unique two-dimensional illumination pattern having spectral dispersion in one axis. The method, which is called spectrally dispersed illumination spectral imaging (SDISI), allows high-speed, high-resolution acquisition of spectral data from specimens that often cannot tolerate high illumination intensities or require fast imaging for avoiding motion artifacts. The technique is demonstrated by capturing spectral data cubes of the finger of a human volunteer using short exposure durations and a high (33.5 dB) SNR.