Lightguide Spectrometer With Multi-Period Gratings for Broadband Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analytical instruments are limited in analyzing broadband spectra from ultraviolet-visible-infrared light and are bulky, making them unsuitable for portable devices, with traditional reflection grating spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) techniques having limitations in wavelength range and miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A spectrometer with multiple grating structures of different periods, integrated with a lightguide substrate and image sensor, allowing for high coupling efficiency and broadband spectrum analysis from ultraviolet to infrared light, featuring a collimator to confine incident angles and a bandpass filter to filter out high-order diffraction signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional reflection grating spectroscopy or FTIR is used, then analysis of specific wavelength ranges (visible/NIR or IR) is achieved, but broadband spectrum analysis from ultraviolet to infrared is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The grating layer is divided into multiple grating structures (first, second, and third grating structures) with different grating periods, where each grating structure is responsible for diffracting a specific wavelength range. This segmentation allows the system to cover broadband spectrum from ultraviolet to infrared while maintaining high diffraction efficiency for each specific range.
2Measurement precision
If traditional analytical instruments are used for spectrum analysis, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but device size becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components are merged into a single integrated device: the lightguide substrate, grating layer with multiple grating structures, and image sensor are combined in one compact unit. This integration achieves broadband spectrum analysis with high precision while dramatically reducing device size compared to traditional separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional bulk optical instruments to a planar, two-dimensional integrated structure using lightguide technology. The spectrum analysis function is achieved in a flat, miniaturized format that maintains measurement precision while reducing device volume to a portable scale.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple grating structures with different periods are used, then broadband spectrum analysis is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grating layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the diffraction element and the wavelength-selective element. The multiple grating structures with different periods are integrated into a single layer that handles the entire broadband spectrum analysis task, reducing the need for separate components for different wavelength ranges.
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
Enables high-resolution analysis of broadband spectra from ultraviolet to infrared light, overcoming the limitations of traditional instruments by providing a compact and efficient solution for portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
The lightguide substrate is configured to diffract the light when the light propagates into the lightguide substrate, such that multiple diffraction lights are formed and each of the multiple diffraction lights has different wavelengths and different optical path
Implementation Method 2
the collimator is configured to confine an incident angle of the light, and the collimator includes at least three openings respectively aligned the first grating structure, the second grating structure, and the third grating structure
Implementation Method 3
The upper grating layer includes a first grating structure, a second grating structure, and a third grating structure, and the first, second, and third grating structures have different grating periods
Data Source
AI summary
The spectrometer includes a lightguide substrate, an upper grating layer, a lower grating layer, an image sensor, and a readout circuit. The upper grating layer is disposed on the lightguide substrate and configured to receive a light. The upper grating layer includes a first grating structure, a second grating structure, and a third grating structure, and the first, second, and third grating structures have different grating periods. The lightguide substrate is configured to diffract the light when the light propagates into the lightguide substrate, such that multiple diffraction lights are formed and each of the multiple diffraction lights has different wavelengths and different optical path. The lower grating layer is disposed under the lightguide substrate and configured to emit the multiple diffraction lights. The image sensor is disposed under the lower grating layer. The readout circuit is disposed under the image sensor.