Spectrometer Light Filter Array for Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spectrometers face challenges in miniaturization and angular sensitivity to light, which hinders their application in various fields such as non-invasive medical sensors and Internet of Things sensors.
Innovation Solution
A spectrometer design featuring a substrate with a filter array of light filters arranged in a 1-dimensional or 2-dimensional pattern, where both reflected and transmitted light are detected by separate light detectors, allowing for efficient light signal transmission without loss, and optionally incorporating a diffraction grating for reduced size and improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a filter structure including a prism or grating is used to form a spectrometer, then the spectrometer can detect light signals, but the size of the spectrometer increases and angular sensitivity to light deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter structure is segmented into multiple independent light filters arranged in an array, where each filter corresponds to a specific wavelength band. This segmentation allows the spectrometer to detect different wavelength bands simultaneously without requiring a large prism or grating, thereby reducing overall size while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light filters are arranged in a two-dimensional array pattern on the substrate, transitioning from traditional one-dimensional linear arrangements. This dimensional change enables more efficient space utilization and reduces the angular sensitivity issue while maintaining comprehensive light detection across multiple wavelength bands.
2Measurement precision
If a filter structure including a prism or grating is used to form a spectrometer, then the spectrometer can detect light signals, but the angular sensitivity to light deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the filtering function into multiple discrete light filters arranged in an array, each filter handles a specific wavelength band independently. This segmentation eliminates the angular sensitivity problems associated with prisms and gratings, as each filter operates optimally for its designated wavelength range without being affected by incident angle variations.
Solution Approach 2:
Each light filter in the array is optimized for its specific wavelength band, creating local quality specialization. This allows each filter to maintain high detection precision for its designated band while the overall system achieves broad spectral coverage, improving angular insensitivity compared to universal prism or grating designs.
3Device complexity
If only transmitted light is detected in a spectrometer, then the device structure is simple, but light signal transmission efficiency is reduced due to potential loss
Solution Approach 1:
The light filter array is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits certain wavelength bands to the transmitted light detector while reflecting other wavelength bands to the reflected light detector. This multi-functionality ensures that all incident light signals are utilized effectively, eliminating energy loss and maximizing detection efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 design enables miniaturization and high-performance light detection, allowing for efficient transmission of all light signals to detectors without loss, making it suitable for various optical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a filter array disposed on a first surface of the substrate and including light filters configured to reflect first light
Implementation Method 2
the light filters may be further configured to respectively transmit first lights of different wavelength bands
Implementation Method 3
a diffraction grating disposed on the second surface of the substrate and configured to transmit incident light incident to the substrate, to the filter array
Implementation Method 4
Each of the first light detector and the second light detector may include any one or any combination of an image sensor, a charge coupled device (CCD), and a photo diode
Data Source
AI summary
A spectrometer is provided and includes a substrate including a transparent material, and a filter array disposed on a first surface of the substrate and including light filters configured to reflect first light. The spectrometer further includes a first light detector into which the first light reflected by the light filters enters, the first light detector being disposed on a second surface of the substrate.