Interferometer Deflection Mirror Wavelength Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Fabry Perot interferometers have a limited usable wavelength range due to the occurrence of higher order modes, which restricts their operational range, especially towards short wavelengths, making it challenging to achieve a broad wavelength coverage necessary for analytical applications.
Innovation Solution
The interferometer device incorporates a deflection mirror and a detector system with spatially separated, differently sensitive detection regions, allowing for the separation and detection of different orders of transmitted wavelengths, and a control device to adjust the mirror spacings and deflection mirror alignment, enabling the detection of a broader wavelength range by selectively irradiating each region with appropriate wavelength ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a Fabry Perot interferometer is used with a fixed cavity length, then the device structure is simple, but the usable wavelength range is limited due to higher order modes
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into multiple detection regions, each responsible for detecting specific wavelength ranges or orders. The detector device is divided into first and second detection regions, with each region optimized for particular wavelength ranges, allowing the system to handle multiple orders simultaneously without increasing interferometer complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A deflection mirror is introduced as an intermediary component between the interferometer and the detector. This deflection mirror directs different wavelength ranges to different detection regions, enabling the system to separate and detect multiple orders while maintaining a relatively simple interferometer structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cavity length is increased to extend the wavelength range, then the long wavelength coverage is improved, but the occurrence of higher order modes increases, limiting the short wavelength range
Solution Approach 1:
Different detection regions are assigned different sensitivity characteristics for different wavelength ranges. The first detection region is optimized for certain wavelength ranges while the second detection region is optimized for other ranges, allowing each region to reliably detect its designated wavelengths without interference from higher order modes
Solution Approach 2:
The problem of wavelength range extension is solved by adding a spatial dimension through multiple detection regions arranged in different positions. Instead of relying solely on cavity length adjustments, the system uses spatial separation of detection regions to handle different wavelength ranges and orders simultaneously
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detection regions are used to detect different orders, then the wavelength range is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector device is designed with multiple detection regions that can detect different wavelength ranges and orders, making it a universal detector capable of handling multiple detection tasks simultaneously. This multi-functional detector reduces the need for multiple separate detectors or complex switching mechanisms
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 configuration extends the usable wavelength range of the interferometer, allowing for the detection of various modes across a wider spectral range, enhancing analytical capabilities by identifying higher order modes and improving the operational range, especially towards shorter wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
at least one deflection mirror, which is disposed downstream of the interferometer unit in a light transmission direction of light transmitted by the interferometer unit; and a detector device, onto which the light is able to be aligned by the deflection mirror
Implementation Method 2
Fabry Perot interferometers (FPI) advantageously render it possible to obtain wavelength-tunable spectral filters with a high degree of miniaturization. MEMS technology (micro-electromechanical components) can be advantageously suitable to this end. What can be exploited here is that a cavity consisting of two plane parallel, highly reflective mirrors at a distance from one another (cavity length) in the optical wavelength range exhibits strong transmission only for wavelengths for which the cavity length corresponds to an integer multiple of half the wavelength
Implementation Method 3
The cavity length can be altered by the application of electrostatic or piezoelectric actuators, for example
Implementation Method 4
The cavity length can be altered by the application of electrostatic or piezoelectric actuators, for example
Data Source
AI summary
An interferometer device includes an interferometer unit with at least two mirrors disposed in parallel, wherein at least one of the mirrors is actuatable parallel to the other mirror and a first distance between the two mirrors is alterable. The interferometer device further includes at least one deflection mirror disposed downstream of the interferometer unit in a light transmission direction of light from the interferometer unit and a detector device, onto which the light is able to be aligned by the deflection mirror. The detector device includes at least two differently sensitive detection regions for transmitted wavelengths or wavelength ranges of the light, which detection regions are spatially separated from one another and able to be irradiated separately by the deflection mirror.