The Continuing Evolution of Multispectral Filter Arrays for Earth Observation

The capabilities of multispectral filter arrays for Earth observation activities from space have changed significantly in the past 40 years. These capabilities have expanded from an initial offering of two to three bands in the visible range to now including over 100 separate bands covering a spectral range from as low as 280 nm up to 15 µm. Harrison discusses the historical progression, the current technology (monolithic and assembled), and future advancements.

About the presenter
David Harrison is the global lead and business development manager for Materion Balzers Optics’ (MBO) space, science, and astronomy team. He collaborates with a broad mix of institutional and commercial partners in the areas of Earth observation, laser communications, deep space exploration, ground-based astronomy, and scientific research. Harrison has 30-plus years of experience at MBO, formerly Barr Associates, as a process engineer, design engineer, and program manager. Overseeing programs such as the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA’s Mast-Mounted Camera System (MASTCAM), and the European Space Agency’s PROBA-V and Sentinel-2 missions helps Harrison to bring a unique perspective for collaboration with potential customers to determine what solutions MBO can offer.