Ultraviolet Hyperspectral Imaging Opens New Research Opportunities

An ultraviolet (UV) hyperspectral camera was used to capture spectroscopic images, showing UV reflectance signatures that are not detectible with human vision. Many animals and insects have visual receptors sensitive to UV light, and flowers’ reflectance signatures help them attract pollinators, as well as helping birds and insects find food. This points to the usefulness of UV imaging spectroscopy as a potential research tool in such fields as botanical science, entomology, and ornithology.