MULTI-WAVELENGTH BIOMETRIC IMAGING SYSTEM

Methods and apparatus for flexible illumination in which two or more different wavelengths are used in the illumination system. An illumination source may be configured to emit light at two or more different wavelengths, either continuously or selectively. A method may be implemented in which a first wavelength is emitted for capturing an image or images for a first portion of algorithmic processing for biometric authentication, and a second wavelength is emitted for capturing another image or images for a second portion of algorithmic processing for biometric authentication. The camera may sequentially capture two or more images at different wavelengths. As an alternative, the camera may be configured to concurrently capture two or more images at different wavelengths.