Integrated Optical Waveguide for Miniaturized Spectral Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectrometer apparatuses are large and costly, limiting their application range, and there is a need for a miniaturized spectrometer with an expanded spectral range for use in various fields such as physics, chemistry, and biology.
Innovation Solution
An optical device comprising a polychromatic light channel, a chromatic dispersion device, and multiple monochromatic light channels integrated on a substrate, which splits and transmits polychromatic light into monochromatic beams for spectral analysis, utilizing a reflective blazed grating and cladding layers for efficient light confinement and output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional spectrometer apparatus is used, then spectral detection function is achieved, but device size is large and cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the polychromatic light channel, chromatic dispersion device, and monochromatic light channels into a single integrated optical device on one substrate. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate conventional spectrometer components, achieving miniaturization while maintaining spectral detection functionality through the integrated waveguide structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical spectrometer components with an integrated optical waveguide system that uses total internal reflection and chromatic dispersion principles. The optical waveguide structure substitutes for traditional mechanical scanning or dispersing mechanisms, enabling miniaturization while preserving spectral analysis capability
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional spectrometer apparatus is used, then spectral detection function is achieved, but manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple functional components into a single integrated device on one substrate, the patent reduces the total number of parts and assembly steps, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining the complete spectral detection function through the unified optical waveguide structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing approach by using optical waveguide principles and chromatic dispersion properties to create a miniaturized device that can be manufactured with standard fabrication processes, reducing cost compared to conventional mechanical spectrometer assembly
3Volume of moving object
If miniaturized optical device is designed, then device size is reduced, but spectral range may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into distinct functional sections: polychromatic light channel, chromatic dispersion device, and multiple monochromatic light channels. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall miniaturization, and the multiple monochromatic channels enable extended spectral range coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional planar optics to three-dimensional integrated waveguide structures. By utilizing vertical stacking and multi-layer integration on the substrate, the device achieves miniaturization in the horizontal plane while maintaining extended spectral range through vertical optical path multiplication
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 miniaturized optical device enables compact, cost-effective spectral detection, suitable for microfluidic applications, and simplifies the manufacturing process, expanding its application range across multiple scientific fields.
Implementation Method 1
a chromatic dispersion device arranged downstream from the polychromatic light channel in an optical path and configured to split the polychromatic light beam from the polychromatic light channel into a plurality of monochromatic light beams
Implementation Method 2
a first cladding layer on a first side surface of the polychromatic light channel; and a second cladding layer on a second side surface of the polychromatic light channel, wherein the refractive index of the first cladding layer and a refractive index of the second cladding layer are both less than a refractive index of the polychromatic light channel
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device and a spectral detection apparatus are provided. The optical device includes an optical waveguide, including: a polychromatic light channel configured to transport a polychromatic light beam, and provided with a light incident surface for receiving the incident polychromatic light beam at an input end of the polychromatic light channel; a chromatic dispersion device arranged downstream from the polychromatic light channel in an optical path and configured to separate the polychromatic light beam from the polychromatic light channel into a plurality of monochromatic light beams; and a plurality of monochromatic light channels arranged downstream from the chromatic dispersion device in the optical path and configured to respectively conduct the plurality of monochromatic light beams with different colors from the chromatic dispersion device. Monochromatic light output surfaces are respectively provided at output ends of the plurality of monochromatic light channels and configured to output the monochromatic light beams.