Evanescent Coupling Spectrometer for Fixed-Position Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectrometers face challenges in maintaining precise alignment of out-couplers with image sensors, leading to light loss and deterioration of resolution and optical efficiency due to the need for adjusting the length of transmission systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an evanescent coupling mechanism between in-couplers, out-couplers, and Fabry-Perot resonators, allowing for fixed positions of couplers relative to pixels, with varying resonator lengths to achieve different spectral wavelength characteristics, and arranging resonators and couplers in a specific pattern to enhance spectral resolution and reconstruction performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the length of transmission systems is adjusted to maintain precise alignment of out-couplers with image sensors, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is divided into multiple sections with different refractive indices, allowing each segment to contribute to the overall optical path length. This segmentation enables precise alignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, as each segment can be independently optimized during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the transmission system by using materials with different refractive indices in different segments. This parameter change allows for precise control of the optical path length and alignment, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustment mechanisms while maintaining high manufacturing precision.
2Loss of energy
If the length of transmission systems is adjusted to maintain precise alignment, then optical efficiency is improved, but light loss increases due to adjustment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the transmission system into multiple sections with different refractive indices, the patent achieves precise alignment without complex adjustments. This reduces interface losses and maintains high optical efficiency while minimizing light loss through fewer adjustment interfaces and better alignment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an optically designed segmented transmission system. This substitution eliminates mechanical alignment issues that cause light loss, maintaining optical efficiency through fixed, precisely engineered optical paths rather than adjustable mechanical components.
3Device complexity
If coupler positions are fixed relative to pixels, then device complexity is reduced, but spectral resolution may deteriorate without transmission system adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes in the transmission system segments (different refractive indices) to achieve spectral resolution without moving the couplers. By carefully designing the optical path lengths and refractive indices of each segment, the system maintains high spectral resolution while keeping coupler positions fixed, thus reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adjusting alignment in the spatial dimension by moving couplers, the patent solves the spectral resolution problem by introducing optical path length control through refractive index variations in another dimension. This allows spectral differentiation without mechanical adjustment, maintaining fixed coupler positions while achieving high spectral resolution.
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
This approach improves spectral resolution and spectrum reconstruction performance by maintaining constant coupler positions and integrating resonators with a wide range of lengths, minimizing light loss and enhancing optical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The implementation of an evanescent coupling mechanism between in-couplers, out-couplers, and Fabry-Perot resonators
Implementation Method 2
Fabry-Perot resonators, allowing for fixed positions of couplers relative to pixels, with varying resonator lengths to achieve different spectral wavelength characteristics
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A spectrometer is provided. The spectrometer may include an image sensor including a pixel array; and a photonics layer disposed on the pixel array and including a plurality of resonators and a plurality of couplers evanescently coupled to the plurality of resonators.