FD-02: The Technique of Fourier Transform Spectroscopy and its Applications in Remote Sensing

Henry Buijs, Frederic Grandmont, Louis Moreau, Florent Prel.

Abstract:

Spectroscopy is one of most powerful technique to probe the nature of matter in-situ or at distance. Fourier Transform Spectroscopy is one of many techniques used to extract spectral information from a target. Its infrared implementation is widely used for a variety of chemical composition analysis and industrial process automation. Yet, it remains obscure to many as to why one would favor this approach over other spectroscopic sensors. More so, the recent advances in array detectors now brings into the field a variety of hyperspectral imaging concept which tend to confuse users when they try to differentiate the benefits and drawback of selecting a given approach. In this seminar, we will provide a thorough review of the field and present the different technologies. In the second part we will focus on the Fourier Transform spectrometer applications in remote sensing in various fields: industrial, research, weather forecasting, earth observation and defense.

This tutorial targets non-experts that want to know the basis of Fourier-Transform spectroscopy or those that want to know more about its current and potential applications in remote-sensing.

The main topics covered are:

Biography:

Henry Buijs obtained a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of British Columbia in 1969. A pioneer in industrial spectroscopy, his work contributed to bring FTS out of the labs. He formed Bomem in 1973 and his now the chief technology officer of the FTS branch of ABB. He obtained the William-Right prize and the Lionel Boulet Prize for its contribution to the field of spectroscopy and to the industry.

Frederic Grandmont has a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Laval University for his work on imaging Fourier-transform spectrometer applied to astrophysics in 2005. He joined ABB/Bomem in 1998 as a system engineer. He obtained the Plasket medal for best Ph.D. Thesis in astrophysics in Canada in 2007.

Louis Moreau obtained a master in atmospheric sciences from McGill University in 1993. He worked for the Canadian Centre for Remote Sensing and joined ABB / Bomem in 1998. He is a chief scientist in the engineering department at ABB.

Florent Prel obtained a master degree in electrical engineering from Laval University in 2009. He joined ABB in 2012 as a system engineer in 2009. He is currently the technical product leader of the imaging spectrometer line at ABB.