Miniature Spatial Heterodyne Spectrometer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-resolution spectroscopy instruments are large, bulky, and heavy, making them unsuitable for deployment in space or on robotic platforms where reduced size and mass are essential, and they struggle to achieve high resolving power and throughput, especially for extended sources.
Innovation Solution
A miniature spatial heterodyne spectrometer with a compact design that includes a beam-splitter, gratings, and a spectroscopy sensor, optimized for optical alignment to eliminate the need for collimating and imaging optics, and incorporates field-widening prisms to increase the field of view and sensitivity, housed in a lightweight frame and barrel assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional high-resolution spectroscopy instruments are used, then high resolving power is achieved, but the device size and mass increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested optical path design where the interferometer is positioned within the focal ratio of the input optics, and the collimating optics are nested within the interferometer structure. This allows multiple optical components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, dramatically reducing the overall device footprint while maintaining high resolving power capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the focal ratio dimension of the input optics to position the interferometer, effectively using the optical system's inherent dimensional structure rather than adding external space-consuming components. The interferometer is positioned at a specific distance corresponding to the focal ratio, creating a compact three-dimensional arrangement that maintains performance while minimizing mass
2Measurement precision
If conventional high-resolution spectroscopy instruments are used, then high resolving power is achieved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the interferometer with the input optics by positioning the interferometer within the focal ratio of the input optics rather than as a separate external component. This integration reduces the number of independent optical alignment interfaces and simplifies the overall system, decreasing maintenance requirements while preserving high resolving power
Solution Approach 2:
The input optics serve multiple functions: they provide the primary optical path for light collection and simultaneously define the spatial positioning for the interferometer through their focal ratio. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment mechanisms and simplifies the overall optical system complexity
3Measurement precision
If conventional spectroscopy instruments are used for extended sources, then spectral information is obtained, but sensitivity is reduced due to lower throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable line spacing grating that can dynamically adjust its groove spacing to optimize spectral dispersion for different observing conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain high throughput for extended sources while preserving the ability to achieve high resolving power when needed, effectively adapting to different source types and observational requirements
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 solution enables high-resolution spectroscopy in a small, lightweight form factor, suitable for handheld or robotic applications, with increased sensitivity and reduced size, mass, and maintenance requirements, allowing for deployment in space and on planetary bodies.
Implementation Method 1
the beam-splitter is configured to split the incoming light to the first grating and the second grating
Implementation Method 2
a first grating, and a second grating... the beam-splitter, the first grating, and the second grating form a 90° angle with the beam-splitter at the vertex of the angle
Implementation Method 3
a spatial heterodyne spectrometer (SHS) including a beam-splitter, a first grating, and a second grating... configured to acquire a fringe pattern generated by the SHS
Data Source
AI summary
Ultra-miniature spatial heterodyne spectrometers (SHSs) are presented. Ultra-miniature SHSs in accordance with the invention, comprise a beam-splitter and gratings configured to generate a fringe pattern for spectroscopic detection. Many embodiments include input optics and a sensor and are configured in a way to omit collimating optics and imaging optics from the SHS. Compared to conventional SHSs known in the art, the present invention enables fewer parts, significantly smaller and lighter SHSs, are more efficient and robust, and require less maintenance. Many embodiments are field-deployable, in that such embodiments can be deployed for hand held use in real-world or remote activities outside of research or diagnostic facilities.