Multi-Order Spectrometer Detection for Wide Wavelength Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectroscopic devices struggle to spectrally separate and detect light in a wide wavelength range with sufficient diffraction efficiency, as diffraction gratings often have low efficiency and difficulty in handling broad wavelength ranges.
Innovation Solution
A spectrometer design that separates and detects light using a light incident portion outputting first and second lights in different wavelength ranges, with the spectroscopic portion spectrally separating these lights and directing Nth-order light of the first wavelength range and Mth-order light of the second range to dedicated detection regions, accompanied by filters to block unwanted orders, ensuring high diffraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a diffraction grating is used to spectrally separate light in a wide wavelength range, then the detectable wavelength range is expanded, but the diffraction efficiency becomes low
Solution Approach 1:
The light detection portion is divided into multiple detection regions (first light detection region and second light detection region), each optimized to detect specific diffraction orders (Nth-order and Mth-order light) with high efficiency. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high diffraction efficiency across a wide wavelength range by directing different wavelength components to specialized detection zones.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the diffraction grating is designed to diffract light in a wide wavelength range, then the wavelength coverage is increased, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dimensional separation in the detection plane by arranging multiple detection regions at different positions and orientations. The first and second light detection regions are disposed at different positions relative to the spectroscopic portion, with their detection surfaces oriented at different angles. This spatial dimensionality allows simultaneous detection of multiple diffraction orders without requiring a single complex grating design.
3Productivity
If multiple diffraction orders are detected simultaneously, then the detection efficiency is improved, but the signal interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light detection portion is segmented into spatially separated detection regions that each receive and detect specific diffraction orders. The first light detection region detects Nth-order light while the second light detection region detects Mth-order light, with each region positioned to receive light from a specific angular direction. This spatial segmentation effectively isolates different diffraction order signals, preventing interference while maintaining high detection efficiency for multiple orders simultaneously.
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 simultaneous and efficient detection of light across a wide wavelength range with improved diffraction efficiency by utilizing specific order lights in dedicated detection regions, enhancing the spectroscopic measurement capability.
Implementation Method 1
a spectroscopic portion that spectrally separates light from the light incident portion
Implementation Method 2
a filter that is disposed between the spectroscopic portion and the light detection portion, and that blocks a diffracted light of the first light other than the Nth-order light and a diffracted light of the second light other than the Mth-order light
Data Source
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AI summary
A spectrometer includes a light incident portion; a spectroscopic portion that spectrally separates light from the light incident portion; and a light detection portion that detects the light spectrally separated by the spectroscopic portion. The light incident portion outputs a first light in a first wavelength range and a second light in a second wavelength range. The first wavelength range includes a longer wavelength than the second wavelength range. The spectroscopic portion spectrally separates the first light and the second light. An Nth-order light of the first light is incident on a first light detection region of the light detection portion and is detected by the light detection portion, and an Mth-order light of the second light is incident on a second light detection region of the light detection portion and is detected by the light detection portion. Here, N and M are integers other than 0 where an absolute value of N is smaller than an absolute value of M.