Optical Filter Band Edge Structure for Spectrometer Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectrometers face errors and reduced accuracy due to the sharp step-like edge of conventional order-sorting filters, which cause dark line spectra and limit measuring area, velocity, and accuracy, and existing variable tunable bandpass optical filters are too large and costly to install in small-sized spectrometers.
Innovation Solution
An optical filter with a substrate having a coating region and a non-coating region, where the first film features a band edge structure extending into the non-coating region at an angle, reducing light attenuation and allowing incident light to pass through, thereby mitigating the dark line spectrum issue and enabling more precise measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sharp step-like edge is used in the conventional order-sorting filter, then the filter can effectively separate different wavelength beams, but light signals cannot transmit through the edge causing dark line spectra and measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the sharp step-like edge with a curved band edge structure. The band edge structure has a curved transition region that gradually changes the optical properties, allowing light to pass through smoothly without creating dark line spectra, thus eliminating measurement errors while maintaining wavelength separation effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional variable tunable bandpass optical filter is used, then the center wavelength can be adjusted, but the filter size is too large to install in small-sized spectrometers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the wavelength adjustment functionality directly into the substrate structure by forming the band edge structure as an integral part of the substrate rather than as a separate movable component. This nested integration allows the tuning mechanism to be embedded within the filter body, significantly reducing the overall filter size while maintaining wavelength adjustment capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional variable tunable bandpass optical filter is used, then the center wavelength can be adjusted, but the fabrication process is difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the substrate and the band edge structure into a single integrated component, where the band edge structure is formed directly on the substrate during the same fabrication process. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and complex alignment procedures, making the fabrication process simpler and more cost-effective while preserving wavelength tuning functionality.
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 band edge structure minimizes light attenuation, allowing accurate light transmission and reducing errors in spectral measurements, making the optical filter suitable for in-line spectrometers with reduced fabrication costs and simpler processes.
Implementation Method 1
a band edge structure extending to a portion of the non-coating region with an angle between a surface of the band edge structure and a surface of the first film to diminish the attenuation of an incident light beam
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device is provided. The optical device comprises a substrate having a coating region and a non-coating region. A first film is on the coating region, wherein the first film has a band edge structure extending to a portion of the non-coating region with an angle between a surface of the band edge structure and a surface of the first film to diminish the attenuation of an incident light beam.