Interference Film Layer with Variable Thickness for Spectrometer Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional Fourier spectrometers have complex structures and are difficult to miniaturize due to their reliance on multiple optical lenses and moving parts, which limits their application in fields requiring compact devices.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an interference structure with an interference film layer comprising multiple regions of different thicknesses, which transforms incident light into multiple beams of interference light without the need for multiple optical lenses, thereby simplifying the structure and enabling miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple optical lenses including beam splitter, phase compensation mirror, moving mirror, and fixed mirror are used to transform incident light into interference light, then the spectrometer can achieve spectral analysis function, but the structure becomes complex and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical components (beam splitter, phase compensation mirror, moving mirror, fixed mirror) into a single integrated interference film layer. This film layer contains multiple regions with different thicknesses that collectively perform the functions of all separate optical components, thereby simplifying the structure while maintaining the spectral analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interference film layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a beam splitter, phase compensator, and interferometer combination. By embedding multiple functional regions within a single film layer, the design achieves multi-functionality that previously required separate optical components, enabling miniaturization while preserving the spectrometer's analytical function.
2Reliability
If multiple optical lenses and moving parts are used in traditional Fourier spectrometer, then the spectrometer can perform spectral analysis, but the device size increases and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical paths and components into a single integrated interference film layer. This merging eliminates the need for separate beam splitters, mirrors, and optical paths, dramatically reducing the device volume while maintaining the spectral analysis capability through the film's multi-region thickness structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical moving mirror system with a static interference film layer that has predetermined thickness variations. This substitution eliminates moving parts entirely, reducing mechanical complexity and enabling miniaturization while maintaining the interferometric function through the film's physical structure rather than mechanical motion.
3Productivity
If traditional interference structure with multiple optical lenses is used, then spectral information can be acquired, but the structure is complex and stability is reduced due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical moving mirror system with a static interference film layer. This substitution eliminates moving parts that cause instability, while the film's predetermined thickness variations maintain the interferometric function. The static structure provides enhanced stability while still enabling spectral information acquisition through the film's optical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The interference film layer is pre-fabricated with specific thickness variations in different regions during manufacturing. This preliminary structuring of the film creates the necessary optical path differences and interference patterns without requiring any moving parts or real-time adjustment, thereby ensuring structural stability while maintaining spectral analysis capability.
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 results in a simpler and more easily miniaturized spectrometer with improved stability and reliability, as it eliminates the need for moving parts and allows for single-shot spectral information acquisition, enhancing spectral reconstruction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an interference film layer including a plurality of regions, where the plurality of regions includes a transparent region made of transparent material. In a direction perpendicular to the interference film layer, a thickness of at least one region in the plurality of regions is different from a thickness of a region other than the at least one region in the plurality of regions
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an interference structure, including an interference film layer. The interference film layer includes a plurality of regions, where the plurality of regions includes a transparent region made of transparent material. In a direction perpendicular to the interference film layer, a thickness of at least one region in the plurality of regions is different from a thickness of a region other than the at least one region in the plurality of regions. In other words, in the present disclosure, by including the plurality of regions with different thicknesses in the interference film layer, it is possible to process the incident light into the plurality of beams of interference light corresponding to the incident light, without the need for multiple optical lenses in traditional interference structures. Therefore, the structure of the interference structure in the present disclosure is simple and easy to miniaturize.