Compact Spectrometer Using Nested Mirror Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectrometers are too large for size-restricted applications such as smartphones and automotive use due to their size, which limits their deployment in compact devices and applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact spectrometer design incorporating a semitransparent first mirror unit and a second mirror unit with a photodetector, utilizing highly integrated semiconductor manufacturing methods to reduce size while maintaining robust optical and mechanical properties, allowing for integration in devices like smartphones and automotive systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional interferometer designs are used, then optical functionality is achieved, but device size becomes too large for compact applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (mirror units, photodetector, interferometer elements) into a single integrated device structure. The first and second mirror units are positioned within a compact arrangement where the photodetector is integrated with the second mirror unit, eliminating the need for separate component housings and reducing overall device volume while maintaining interferometric measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the photodetector is integrated with the second mirror unit, and the first mirror unit is positioned in close proximity. This nested configuration allows optical paths to be folded and components to share space, achieving compact spectrometer dimensions suitable for mobile devices without compromising the interferometer's optical path length or measurement accuracy
2Volume of moving object
If device size is reduced for compact applications, then portability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment and adjustment mechanisms with a fixed, pre-configured optical arrangement. The mirror units and photodetector are positioned in predetermined relationships that eliminate the need for manual mechanical adjustment during assembly, simplifying manufacturing while achieving compact dimensions. The interferometer operates with fixed component positions rather than movable mechanical elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the compact spectrometer using standard semiconductor manufacturing processes that can be scaled and replicated. The integrated design allows the same fabrication techniques to produce multiple units consistently, reducing manufacturing complexity through process standardization and enabling mass production of compact spectrometers for various applications
3Measurement precision
If conventional spectrometer components are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms and precision alignment systems that increase manufacturing cost. Instead, the optical components are positioned in fixed, predetermined configurations that achieve accurate spectral measurements through design geometry rather than mechanical adjustment, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design allows the spectrometer to achieve accurate measurements through its inherent structural configuration rather than requiring external calibration equipment or complex alignment procedures. The fixed geometric relationships between mirror units and photodetector provide self-aligning optical paths that maintain measurement accuracy without additional costly calibration mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The compact spectrometer achieves reduced size and cost, enabling mass deployment in applications such as health, drug, food, and gas analysis, and color analysis, with improved robustness and efficiency for interference measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror unit (102) which is semitransparent for electromagnetic radiation of at least one wavelength or wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
The spectrometer may be used for interference measurements
Implementation Method 3
the second area (106) includes at least a part of a photodetector, and wherein the photodetector is configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation of at least one wavelength or wavelength range
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments a spectrometer is provided. The spectrometer may include a first mirror unit which is semitransparent for electromagnetic radiation of at least one wavelength or wavelength range; and a second mirror unit having a first area and a second area facing the first mirror unit, wherein at least a part of the first area and the second area are spaced apart from the first mirror unit, wherein the first area is at least partially reflective for the electromagnetic radiation of at least one wavelength or wavelength range, wherein the second area includes at least a part of a photodetector, and wherein the photodetector is configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation of at least one wavelength or wavelength range.