Monolithic CRSHS Spectrometer Design for Compact High Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectroscopic techniques face challenges in achieving high resolving power at wide fields of view and high throughput, particularly for extended astronomical and planetary science targets, due to sensitivity trade-offs and physical limitations of existing instruments.
Innovation Solution
The development of monolithic cyclical reflective spatial heterodyne spectrometers (CRSHS) with a symmetric grating, flat mirror, and roof mirror configured in a cyclical common-path design, securely affixed to a supporting structure, which allows for higher optomechanical tolerances and reduced size and weight, enabling wider field of view and higher spectral resolution without separate optical mounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional spectroscopic instruments are designed to achieve high resolving power, then spectral resolution is improved, but field of view and throughput are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument divides the spectral resolution function into two separate components: a dispersing element (prism or grating) that provides spectral resolution, and a interferometric element (Fabry-Perot interferometer) that provides throughput and field of view. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines a dispersing element (prism or grating) with a Fabry-Perot interferometer into a single integrated instrument. This merging allows the system to achieve both high spectral resolution from the dispersing element and high throughput/wide field of view from the interferometer, resolving the traditional trade-off between these parameters.
2Volume of moving object
If interferometers are used to achieve high resolving power with smaller physical size, then device compactness is improved, but optical tolerance requirements become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dispersing element (prism or grating) as an intermediary component between the light source and the Fabry-Perot interferometer. This intermediary element performs the spectral dispersion function, allowing the interferometer to be designed with relaxed optical tolerances while maintaining compact size and high resolving power.
3Measurement precision
If grating spectrometers are used to achieve high resolving power, then spectral resolution is improved, but physical size and mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the spectrometer design by replacing traditional large-scale grating systems with a compact Fabry-Perot interferometer combined with a small dispersing element. This parameter change enables high spectral resolution to be achieved with significantly reduced instrument mass and volume.
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 design enhances the robustness and compactness of CRSHS, simplifying maintenance and manufacturing, while maintaining high spectral resolution and sensitivity, making it suitable for extended sources and various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a symmetric grating configured to diffract an incoming beam of light, having a wavelength λ, into two diffracted beams traveling in different, angularly offset directions
Implementation Method 2
a flat mirror and a roof mirror disposed at angles in relation to the symmetric grating such that the flat mirror and the roof mirror reflect the diffracted beams in a cyclical common-path configuration
Implementation Method 3
the diffracted beams diffract again off the symmetric grating to produce a localized fringe pattern
Implementation Method 4
cyclical reflective spatial heterodyne spectrometer technology
Data Source
AI summary
Novel monolithic cyclical reflective spatial heterodyne spectrometers (CRSHS) are presented. Monolithic CRSHS in accordance with the invention have a single frame wherein a flat mirror, roof mirror, and symmetric grating are affixed. The invention contains only fixed parts; the flat mirror, roof mirror, and symmetric grating do not move in relation to the frame. Compared to conventional CRSHS known in the art, the present invention enables much smaller and lighter CRSHS, requires less time and skill for maintenance, and is a better economic option. The disclosed invention may include fixed field-widening optical elements or a fiber-fed assembly.