Flex-Spectrum Optical Detector for Efficient 2D Spectral Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectroscopy systems face challenges in achieving high sensitivity and high resolution across a full spectral range due to the inefficient use of detector space and conflicting attributes of spectral range and resolution, leading to wasted power and suboptimal detection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flex-spectrum optical detector that separates a full spectral response into spatially or angularly separated spectral bands, rearranges these bands before dispersion, and images them onto a 2D detector array, allowing independent control of spectral range, resolution, and dynamic range for each band, thereby optimizing detector usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional linear dispersion is used to cover full spectral range, then spectral coverage is achieved, but detector space utilization is inefficient and resolution per band is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The full spectrum is divided into multiple spectral bands using a separating element (such as a dichroic mirror or prism system). Each spectral band is then independently dispersed and imaged onto a dedicated region of the 2D detector array, allowing optimal resolution for each band while efficiently utilizing the entire detector area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 1D linear dispersion to a 2D spectral mapping approach. Spectral bands are separated in one dimension (e.g., vertical axis) while dispersion occurs in the orthogonal dimension (horizontal axis), creating a two-dimensional spectral image that efficiently packs more spectral information onto the detector area.
2Measurement precision
If detector area is increased to maintain resolution across full spectrum, then spectral resolution is preserved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the spectrum into multiple bands and mapping them to different regions of a compact 2D detector array, the system achieves high resolution across the full spectral range without requiring a proportionally larger detector area, thereby reducing the overall size and weight of the spectrograph.
Solution Approach 2:
The 2D spectral mapping approach allows the system to pack more spectral information into a smaller physical footprint by utilizing both dimensions of the detector array, reducing the required detector area and consequently the size and weight of the spectrograph while maintaining spectral resolution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional spectroscopy is used with fixed detector mapping, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different spectral priorities is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic control mechanisms that allow real-time adjustment of spectral band mapping and detector region allocation. This enables the system to adapt detection parameters such as spectral range, resolution, and dynamic range for different bands based on measurement priorities, while the controller manages the complexity of coordinating these adjustments.
4Loss of energy
If full spectrum is dispersed linearly, then complete spectral coverage is achieved, but power efficiency is reduced due to wasted detector space
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the spectrum into multiple bands and efficiently mapping each band to an optimized region of the 2D detector array, the system eliminates wasted detector space and improves power efficiency while maintaining complete spectral information coverage through the coordinated operation of separating, dispersing, and imaging elements.
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 enables higher resolution and sensitivity per spectral band with minimal power loss, reduces the size and weight of the spectrograph, and allows for dynamic adjustment of detection parameters to match the importance of different spectral bands, enhancing measurement efficiency and speed.
Implementation Method 1
a dispersive element comprising a plurality of dispersive regions, wherein a dispersive region of the plurality of dispersive regions is to disperse spectral components of a spectral band, of the plurality of spectral bands, along a dispersion direction to form a dispersed spectral band
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system may include an optical source to provide an excitation light and a collecting element to direct an optical signal, received from a sample in response to incidence of the excitation light on the sample, to an optical device. The optical device may include a separating element to separate the optical signal into a plurality of spectral bands that are spatially or angularly separated along a band separation direction, a dispersive element comprising a dispersive region to disperse spectral components of a spectral band along a dispersion direction to form a dispersed spectral band, and an optical element to manipulate the dispersed spectral band in association with imaging the spectral band onto a detector area of a detector array. The optical system may include a controller to obtain one or more read-out signals from the detector array.