A hyperspectral imaging system, comprising: a processor configured to receive hyperspectral imaging parameters and to convert the imaging parameters to a series of images to be acquired at a series of retardances at a series of retardance times; a hyperspectral imaging component comprising: at least one input polarizer, wherein the input polarizer receives and polarizes an incoming beam of light; a liquid crystal variable retarder arranged adjacent the input polarizer opposite the incoming beam of light to receive the polarized beam of light from the input polarizer and to change polarization of the light to produce wavelength-dependent polarized light; an output polarizer arranged to receive the wavelength-dependent polarized light and to convert polarization state information of the light into a form detectable as light intensity; a voltage source electrically connected to the liquid crystal variable retarder; and a retardance controller, the controller configured to receive the series of retardances at a series of retardance times and to produce a series of voltages at a series of voltage times to be applied to the liquid crystal variable retarder; and a focal plane array synchronized with the retardance controller to receive the light in a form detectable as light intensity as a function of retardance of the liquid crystal variable retarder and convert the light to an output signal as a series of images, wherein the processor performs transformations of the series of images to hyperspectral image data; wherein, the liquid crystal variable retarder comprises at least one liquid crystal cell, comprising liquid crystal material sandwiched between two transparent substrates whereupon, transparent electrode layers are deposited, characterized in that the voltage source is configured to drive the liquid crystal variable retarder with a two-component electric field, wherein the two-component electric field has a first component which causes the liquid crystal material to align perpendicular to the transparent electrode layers and a second component which causes the liquid crystal material to align parallel to the transparent electrode layers, and wherein the two components are applied simultaneously. a processor configured to receive hyperspectral imaging parameters and to convert the imaging parameters to a series of images to be acquired at a series of retardances at a series of retardance times; a hyperspectral imaging component comprising: at least one input polarizer, wherein the input polarizer receives and polarizes an incoming beam of light; a liquid crystal variable retarder arranged adjacent the input polarizer opposite the incoming beam of light to receive the polarized beam of light from the input polarizer and to change polarization of the light to produce wavelength-dependent polarized light; an output polarizer arranged to receive the wavelength-dependent polarized light and to convert polarization state information of the light into a form detectable as light intensity; a voltage source electrically connected to the liquid crystal variable retarder; and a retardance controller, the controller configured to receive the series of retardances at a series of retardance times and to produce a series of voltages at a series of voltage times to be applied to the liquid crystal variable retarder; and at least one input polarizer, wherein the input polarizer receives and polarizes an incoming beam of light; a liquid crystal variable retarder arranged adjacent the input polarizer opposite the incoming beam of light to receive the polarized beam of light from the input polarizer and to change polarization of the light to produce wavelength-dependent polarized light; an output polarizer arranged to receive the wavelength-dependent polarized light and to convert polarization state information of the light into a form detectable as light intensity; a voltage source electrically connected to the liquid crystal variable retarder; and a retardance controller, the controller configured to receive the series of retardances at a series of retardance times and to produce a series of voltages at a series of voltage times to be applied to the liquid crystal variable retarder; and a focal plane array synchronized with the retardance controller to receive the light in a form detectable as light intensity as a function of retardance of the liquid crystal variable retarder and convert the light to an output signal as a series of images, wherein the processor performs transformations of the series of images to hyperspectral image data; wherein, the liquid crystal variable retarder comprises at least one liquid crystal cell, comprising liquid crystal material sandwiched between two transparent substrates whereupon, transparent electrode layers are deposited, characterized in that the voltage source is configured to drive the liquid crystal variable retarder with a two-component electric field, wherein the two-component electric field has a first component which causes the liquid crystal material to align perpendicular to the transparent electrode layers and a second component which causes the liquid crystal material to align parallel to the transparent electrode layers, and wherein the two components are applied simultaneously.