Description
Overview
The Via-Spec™ is a family of a hyperspectral imaging systems offered by Middleton Spectral Vision. These systems provide flexible imaging, magnification, and illumination options for capturing hyperspectral images. The Via-Spec scanner comes with a transmission illumination for measurements of films and other translucent materials. There are many samples for which a transmission configuration works better for optical analysis than reflectance. Some of these examples may include strips or patches used in pharmaceutical formulations, tissue slices, and artificial tissue samples (treated and untreated) used in biomedical studies. In addition, any thin material which is at least semi-transparent in the near-infrared wavelength range can be sampled in a transmission configuration.
Camera Options
A ViaSpec™ System can be configured with any of the spectral cameras offered by MIddleton Spectral Vision. The wavelength range options span 400-2500nm depending on which sensor is chosen. The spectral camera is mounted on the ViaSpec™ frame using a quick release mounting bracket. A manual z adjustment is standard to help with focusing.
Stage and Frame
The Via-Spec frame has a glass stage for use in transmission. As an alternative to the glass stage, we offer a flat reflectance stage that the customer (or Middleton Spectral Vision, by request) can modify for different sizes and shapes of samples, such as seeds, tablets, etc. Different cameras and spectrographs can be mounted to the Via-Spec using available adaptor plates. Custom adapter plates can also be designed to accommodate the mounting of other cameras.
Illumination Options
Halogen illumination comes standard on all Via-Spec systems for transmission. Optionally, the halogen light source could be switched out for a fiber optic line light (external light source required). In addition to the standard offering of a transmission light source, the Via-Spec is equipped to mount two reflectance illumination sources to allow for reflectance hyperspectral measurements as well. This option must be specified at the time of order. Two types of reflectance illumination are available:
The halogen line light source, with direct illumination, covers the wavelength range 400-2500 nm. It contains four 20-W bulbs for reflectance measurements, the same configuration as used in the transmission light source. There are two sources mounted on a common positioning arm for uniform dual-sided sample illumination.
The glass fiber optic line light, offered in single or dual configuration, covers the wavelength range 400-1700 nm (without the lens). For a higher level, more focused light, a transparent plastic cylindrical lens is available. The lens will limit the wavelength range to 400-1000 nm. The single and dual line lights are 6 inches long and can be mounted in one or both of the reflectance illumination positions (interchangeable with the halogen lights).
Both illumination options for reflectance have vertical height adjustments and angular adjustments to adjust the uniformity of the illumination for different samples.
