Compact Spectrometer via Virtual Superposition of Partial Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectrometers are bulky and costly due to the need for large optical components to handle multiple spectral regions, and they either process regions sequentially or require complex mechanisms for switching gratings.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where multiple partial beams from an incident beam, each assigned to different spectral regions, are directed through a joint spectrometer lens system after being virtually superimposed by spatially separated diffraction gratings, allowing simultaneous detection and reducing the need for large optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spatially separated diffraction gratings are used for different spectral regions, then spectral detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple beam paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple beam paths into a single joint spectrometer lens system. The first and second partial beams, after being spectrally separated by spatially separated diffraction gratings, are merged into a common beam path that passes through a shared lens system before reaching spatially separated detectors. This merging approach maintains the ability to detect different spectral regions while reducing overall system complexity compared to having completely separate optical paths for each spectral region.
2Adaptability or versatility
If large optical components are used to handle multiple spectral regions, then spectral processing capability is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a joint spectrometer lens system that serves multiple spectral regions simultaneously. The shared lens system processes both the first partial beam (assigned to a first spectral region) and the second partial beam (assigned to a second spectral region), making the optical components multi-functional. This universal approach allows the spectrometer to detect broad spectral regions without requiring separate large optical components for each spectral region, thereby reducing overall weight and cost.
3Device complexity
If sequential measurement of spectral regions is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spatially separated diffraction gratings that are simultaneously active, with each grating dedicated to a specific spectral region. The beam splitter device divides the incident beam into multiple partial beams that are processed in parallel through the joint lens system and detected simultaneously by spatially separated detectors. This segmentation approach enables parallel processing of different spectral regions, eliminating the need for sequential measurement and improving productivity without requiring complex switching mechanisms.
4Measurement precision
If spatially separated detectors are used for different spectral regions, then spectral detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a unified detector arrangement. Spatially separated detectors are positioned to receive different spectral regions through the joint lens system, with each detector optimized for its specific spectral region. This merging approach maintains high measurement precision by dedicating specific detectors to specific spectral regions while reducing complexity compared to having completely independent detection systems for each spectral region.
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 approach results in a compact, lightweight spectrometer capable of processing a broad spectral region simultaneously, reducing weight and cost while maintaining efficient spectral detection.
Implementation Method 1
two or more partial beams generated from an incident beam and assigned to different spectral regions, travel through a joint spectrometer lens system
Implementation Method 2
directed to respective spatially separated diffraction gratings that are virtually superimposed in the beam path
Implementation Method 3
A beam splitter device splits the incident beam into the respective partial beams directed to the diffraction gratings
Implementation Method 4
After passing through the diffraction gratings, the partial beams are combined to a joint beam path traveling through the joint spectrometer lens system
Implementation Method 5
detected in detectors which are spatially separated and assigned to the different spectral regions
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and apparatus for detecting optical spectra, two or more partial beams are generated from an incident beam, each of said partial beams being assigned to a different spectral region. The partial beams travel through a spectrometer lens system and are detected in a spatially separated manner. For this purposes, the partial beams generated from the incident beam are directed to respective spatially separated diffraction gratings that are virtually superimposed in the beam path, and are assigned to different spectral regions. After passing through the diffraction gratings, the spectrally separated partial beams are combined to a joint beam path traveling through the spectrometer lens system. Preferably, the partial beams comprising the different spectral regions can be spectrally separated after passing through the spectrometer lens system and can be detected in spatially separated detectors assigned to the different spectral regions.