Abstract Longwave infrared (LWIR) spectral imaging offers unique capabilities for gas/liquid detection, mineral exploration, environmental monitoring, and military security applications. Conventional LWIR spectral imagers, however, are hampered by reliance on existing dispersion elements, resulting in inflexible operation, limited spectral channels, and excessive bulk, which preclude deployment in intelligent, multi-scenario settings. To address such an issue, we introduce a compact adaptive spectral imager (CASI) leveraging a LWIR large-aperture micro-electro-mechanical systems based Fabry-Perot filtering chip (MEMS-FPFC). A modular chip-front optical architecture yields an ultra-compact volume (150 × 77 × 88 mm³), low-weight (1.11 kg), and “plug-and-play” operation. A synergistic adaptation control system exploits the intrinsic programmability of the MEMS-FPFC to enable diverse adaptive imaging modes-including programmable spectral acquisition spanning global coarse/fine scans, localized fine scans, and arbitrary spectral band combinations-tailored to specific application demands. This adaptability, coupled with spectral channel selection and image fusion algorithms, facilitates efficient and precise target identification. The CASI’s compactness and programmability enable integration onto small unmanned platforms, advancing intelligent LWIR spectral imaging for field-deployable applications in industrial pollution monitoring, mineral prospecting, and security.
Zhou et al. (2026) studied this question.