1：Experimental Design and Method Selection:

The study designed a dual-polarization AOTF-based hyperspectral imaging system to handle randomly polarized light by splitting it into two linearly polarized components using a polarizing beam splitter, rotating one component with a half-wave plate, and directing both through an AOTF crystal for diffraction. The system was optimized for the 450-800 nm range with spectral resolutions of

2：5-4 nm. Sample Selection and Data Sources:

A collimated and randomly polarized diode laser at 650 nm was used for throughput measurements, a broadband halogen light source for spectral characterization, and a USAF-1951 resolution target for spatial resolution and depth of field measurements.

3：List of Experimental Equipment and Materials:

Equipment included tungsten-halogen lamps, a zoom lens (Canon EF-S 55–250 mm f/4–

4：6 IS), achromatic lenses (EFL = 250 mm, Thorlabs), a polarizing beam splitter (PBS513, Thorlabs), a half-wave plate (Dayoptics, φ 4 mm), an AOTF crystal (TF625-350-2-11-BR1A, Gooch & Housego), mirrors, a CMOS camera (MQ042RG-CM, Xemia), an optical power meter (1830C, Newport), a spectrophotometer (OSM-400, Newport), and an LCTF (VIS-10-20, Cambridge Research & instrumentation). Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow:

The input light was collected, collimated, split into polarized components, one rotated, both directed through the AOTF, diffracted beams were focused onto a camera, and data was acquired and controlled via custom software. Throughput was measured under different configurations, spectral line-width was assessed, and spatial resolution was evaluated using contrast transfer function and modulation transfer function calculations.

5：Data Analysis Methods:

Data analysis involved normalizing intensities, calculating contrast transfer function (CTF) and modulation transfer function (MTF) from image intensities, and comparing spectral resolutions using full width at half maximum (FWHM) measurements.