Compact acousto-optic imaging spectro-polarimeter for mineralogical investigations in the near infrared

(10 nm passband at 1 µm). When imaging samples, the spatial resolution of 0.6 mm at the target distance of one meter was reached. It corresponds to 100 by 100 diffraction-limited elements resolved at the focal plane array (FPA) for each of the two light polarizations. A similar prototype is also being designed for the spectral range from 1.7 to 3.5 µm. This type of the spectro-polarimeter is considered as a potential reconnaissance and analysis tool for future planetary or moon landers and rovers.