Single-shot spectral sensor utilizing multilayer-type pixel-scale filter array

We report on a method for reconstructing the spectrum of incident light from a single image captured by a snapshot multispectral camera. The camera has a dielectric multilayer multispectral filter array (MSFA) integrated onto a CMOS image sensor. Sparse estimation algorithm was applied to reconstruct the spectrum. Using Gaussian functions with various bandwidths and central wavelengths as the bases matrix, the algorithm has been shown to be highly accurate for estimating the spectra of both narrowband monochromatic and broadband fluorescent light emitting diodes (LEDs), regardless of the wavelength band.