System and method for encoded spatio-spectral information processing

Abstract

Encoded spatio-spectral information processing is performed using a system having a radiation source, wavelength dispersion device and two-dimensional switching array, such as digital micro-mirror array (DMA). In one aspect, spectral components from a sample are dispersed in space and modulated separately by the switching array, each element of which may operate according to a predetermined encoding pattern. The encoded spectral components can then be detected and analyzed. In a different aspect, the switching array can be used to provide a controllable radiation source for illuminating a sample with radiation patterns that have predetermined characteristics and separately encoded components. Various applications are disclosed.

1 . A method for controlling the interaction of radiation with physical objects having at least one material capable of reacting predictably to one or more radiation components in a predetermined spectrum range, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing a controllable source of radiation capable of generating arbitrary combinations of spectral radiation components within the predetermined spectrum range, a combination of spectral radiation components being defined as a spectral signature; and    (b) irradiating at least one of said physical objects with a predetermined spectral signature from the provided controllable source of radiation to cause the predictable reaction of the material.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein individual spectral radiation components in the spectral signature are encoded to enable realtime analysis and quantification of the interaction.  
     
     
         3 - 6 . (Canceled).  
     
     
         7 . A method of analyzing samples of material, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing a controllable source of radiation capable of generating arbitrary combinations of spectral radiation components within the predetermined spectrum range, a combination of spectral radiation components being defined as a spectral signature; and    (b) irradiating a sample of material with a predetermined spectral signature from the provided controllable source of radiation;    (c) directing radiation from the irradiated sample to one or more detector elements; and    (e) analyzing the output of the detector elements to determine properties of said sample of material.    
     
     
         8 - 9 . (Canceled).