Integrated Spectrometer Chip with Planar Optical Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectroscopic apparatuses face challenges in achieving a balance between miniaturization, cost-effectiveness, and large-scale production while maintaining performance, particularly in applications requiring high spectral resolution and robustness.
Innovation Solution
A spectral analysis system with a stationary dispersive optical element and reflective imaging optics, integrated with a carrier member that has a flat optical path volume and lateral openings, allowing for a compact design and simplified assembly, enabling production in large quantities with reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional spectroscopic apparatuses are miniaturized, then device size is reduced, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dispersive optical element, imaging optics, and detector onto a single substrate, creating an integrated spectrometer chip. This merging of components reduces the overall device size while simplifying the assembly process and enabling mass production, directly resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional optical paths to a two-dimensional planar integration on a substrate. By arranging optical elements in a planar configuration rather than volumetric stacking, the device achieves compact size without proportionally increasing complexity, facilitating standardized manufacturing processes.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional spectroscopic apparatuses are miniaturized, then device size is reduced, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple optical components onto a single substrate, the patent reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured, sourced, and assembled. This consolidation enables economies of scale in substrate production and simplifies quality control, thereby reducing per-unit costs despite miniaturization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical benches and adjustable components with fixed, lithographically-defined optical paths on a substrate. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical assemblies and adjustments, enabling high-volume manufacturing through standardized semiconductor or glass substrate fabrication processes.
3Measurement precision
If spectral resolution is improved, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a diffraction grating with locally optimized groove patterns on the substrate to achieve high spectral resolution. By concentrating the dispersive function in a specialized local region rather than requiring complex overall optical systems, the device achieves precise wavelength separation with simplified global architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a curved or spheroidal substrate surface to focus and disperse light, replacing the need for multiple flat mirrors and lenses. This curved geometry naturally provides both focusing and dispersion functions, achieving high spectral resolution while reducing the number of optical components required.
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 system achieves a compact and cost-effective design for spectroscopic apparatuses, enabling high spectral resolution and robustness while simplifying production processes, thus addressing the limitations of conventional technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the dispersive element needed for splitting the electromagnetic radiation is frequently configured as diffraction grating
Implementation Method 2
an at least partly reflective imaging or beam forming optics including at least one optical functional element defining an optical path
Data Source
AI summary
Spectral analysis system for capturing a spectrum including an inlet opening, a dispersive optical element and reflecting imaging optics having at least one optical functional element defining an optical path from the inlet opening across the dispersive optical element onto an outlet opening and/or detector area of the spectral analysis system and a carrier member defining a flat optical path volume with at least one lateral opening. The dispersive optical element is configured, e.g. in a stationary manner. At least one of the inlet opening, the outlet opening and/or detector area, the at least one optical functional element and the dispersive optical element are integrated in at least one member. The at least one member is mounted on the carrier member at the at least one lateral opening, such that the optical path largely runs transversely to a thickness direction of the optical path volume.