Nano-column Optical Filter with Composite Layers for Spectrometer Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spectrometers with on-chip structures face performance degradation due to high refractive index materials that absorb light, limiting their miniaturization and spectral range capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The development of an optical filter element comprising nano-columns with a first material layer and second material layers having different extinction coefficients, where the second material layers are arranged on top and bottom of the first layer, and a silicon oxide layer is included between them, allowing for a wider spectral range by controlling light absorption characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high refractive index material is applied to the resonator to increase spectrometer performance, then the spectrometer performance is improved, but light absorption increases causing performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrometer performanceVSAvoidlight absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining high refractive index material (for resonance enhancement) with low refractive index material (for reduced absorption) in a single resonator structure. The resonator includes a first region with high refractive index material and a second region with low refractive index material, allowing simultaneous achievement of high performance and low light absorption through material composition diversity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Volume of moving object

If on-chip structure is implemented to miniaturize spectrometer, then device size is reduced, but light absorption by high refractive index material increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrometer sizeVSAvoidlight absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The on-chip resonator uses composite materials with different refractive indices to achieve miniaturization while controlling absorption. The first region (high refractive index) enables compact resonator design for miniaturization, while the second region (low refractive index) compensates for absorption losses, allowing small size without sacrificing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Measurement precision

If high refractive index material is used to enhance resonance, then spectral resolution is improved, but the spectral range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral resolutionVSAvoidspectral range

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The resonator employs composite materials where the high refractive index region enhances resonance for improved spectral resolution, while the low refractive index region extends the operational spectral range. This material combination allows the spectrometer to achieve both high resolution and broad spectral coverage that cannot be obtained with single-material resonators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 results in ultra-small spectrometers with a broader spectral range, enhancing their performance and miniaturization potential while minimizing light absorption issues associated with high refractive index materials.

Implementation Method 1

each of the plurality of nano-columns comprises: a first material layer having a first coefficient, and second material layers having a second coefficient different from the first coefficient of the first material layer. The second coefficient of the second material layers may be an extinction coefficient with respect to light in a wavelength range of 300 nm to 1000 nm.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The first material layer may have a refractive index less than that of the second material layers.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

A resonant wavelength of the optical filter element may be based at least one of pitch, thickness, and duty cycle of the plurality of nano-columns.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS11768108B2Optical filter and spectrometer including the optical filter

Publication Date: 2023.09.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The disclosure provides an optical filter element including a plurality of nano-columns separated from each other in a horizontal direction and extended in a vertical direction, and each of the plurality of nano-columns includes a first material layer having an first extinction coefficient and second material layers having second extinction coefficients different from the first extinction coefficient of the first material layer and a spectrometer including the same.