Integrated Fabry-Perot Spectrometer with Same-Side Electrical Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrometer devices are often large and costly due to the need for numerous components and complex manufacturing steps, which contradicts the goal of creating compact and cost-effective miniaturized spectrometers.
Innovation Solution
A spectrometer device design featuring a Fabry-Perot interferometer unit with a simplified structure, utilizing a first and second substrate with a photodetector device, where electrical connections are made from the same direction to reduce components and manufacturing steps, and incorporating a reflector device to enhance light detection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional spectrometer designs are used, then functional requirements are met, but device size and manufacturing cost increase due to numerous components and process steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the photodetector device and Fabry-Perot interferometer unit into a single integrated assembly where both components are arranged on the same substrate (first substrate). The electrical connection areas of both components are oriented toward the same direction, allowing simultaneous electrical contact from one side. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting and electrical connection processes for each component, thereby reducing device complexity and size while maintaining functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The first substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as the mounting platform for both the photodetector device and the Fabry-Perot interferometer unit, provides electrical connections for both components through oriented connection areas, and maintains structural integrity for the entire spectrometer assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies the overall device structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate mounting processes are used for photodetector and interferometer, then each component can be precisely positioned, but manufacturing time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photodetector device and Fabry-Perot interferometer unit are designed with their electrical connection areas oriented toward the same direction from the beginning of the manufacturing process. This preliminary arrangement allows both components to be electrically contacted simultaneously in a single process step, eliminating the need for sequential mounting and electrical connection operations. The precision positioning is maintained through the integrated substrate design while manufacturing efficiency is improved through process consolidation.
3Ease of manufacture
If electrical connections are made from opposite directions, then each component can be independently connected, but the number of manufacturing steps and overall complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection areas of both the photodetector device and the Fabry-Perot interferometer unit are oriented toward the same direction on the first substrate. This configuration allows both components to be electrically contacted from the same side using a single set of connection operations, merging what would traditionally require separate opposite-direction connection processes. This reduces the number of manufacturing steps and simplifies the overall electrical connection process while maintaining independent electrical connectivity for each component.
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 solution results in a compact, cost-effective spectrometer with reduced production costs and complexity, maintaining high performance by minimizing light attenuation and simplifying the electrical connection process, while ensuring efficient light detection and measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a Fabry-Perot interferometer unit (FP), which comprises a first support substrate (TS1), wherein the first support substrate (TS1) has a bottom side (U) and an opening with an optical aperture (NA)
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector device (PD), which is arranged on or in the second substrate (S) and on or in the first substrate (K)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a spectrometer device (10) comprising a Fabry-Perot interferometer unit (FP) having a first carrier substrate (TS1), said first carrier substrate (TS1) being positioned on an underside (U) of the Fabry-Perot interferometer unit (FP), and an optical aperture (NA); a first substrate (K) which is arranged on an upper side (O) of the Fabry-Perot interferometer unit (FP) facing away from the underside (U), and/or a second substrate (S), said first carrier substrate (TS1) being arranged with the underside (U) on the second substrate (S); and a photo detector device (PD) which is arranged on or in the second substrate (S) and/or on or in the first substrate (K), wherein a first electrical connection region (A1) of the photo detector device (PD) and a second electrical connection region (A2) of the Fabry-Perot interferometer unit (FP) can be electrically contacted from the same direction.