Abstract

this paper because it is a recent entry in the field of interferometer implementations and is claimed to have major benefits for certain NASA multispectral imaging applications. Although the claims for DASI have been presented in various ways, they can be grouped into three general categories with corollaries. The claims are that (1) DASI has a much higher étendue than grating spectrometers, (2) DASI's have an optimum instrument sampling function, and (3) DASI possesses several smaller systems-level capabilities. Some of the systems-level capabilities are the Fellgett (or multiplex) advantage, wavelength linearity, and well-known and easily correctable system errors, among others. This paper reviews the operational principles of interferometric and dispersive spectrometers and presents the various claims for DASI. The paper assesses the DASI claims with respect to the operational principles presented to determine whether those claims can be substantiated. Finally, the results are summarized to serve as a guide to help determine what role DASI's might play in appropriate applications.

Citations