Photometric imaging near infrared spectrometer

A description of the design and performance of an imaging spectrometer intended for operation in the seven to fourteen micrometer wavelength range is presented. It is based upon a sixteen by sixteen element Si:Bi hybrid array, a circular variable filter wheel, and a microcomputer data acquisition system. The spatial-spectral photometric performances have been evaluated in the laboratory as well as field tested at astronomical observatories. The performance characteristics of the system are presented as well as laboratory and astronomical images.