Spectrometer with Movable Mirror for Compact Wavelength Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spectrometers are large-scale and expensive, making it difficult to provide a small-scale and inexpensive option.
Innovation Solution
A spectrometer design featuring a light incidence unit, a concave diffraction grating for wavelength dispersion, and a movable reflection unit with a changeable tilt reflection surface, allowing for adjustable output of diffracted light without the need for an array sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an array sensor is employed for wavelength detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wavelength selection function from the detection system by using a movable mirror to selectively reflect different wavelengths to a single light sensor, eliminating the need for a complex array sensor while maintaining wavelength detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a movable mirror as an intermediary component between the diffraction grating and the light sensor, which mediates the wavelength selection process by reflecting specific wavelengths to the sensor based on its position, replacing the need for an array sensor
2Measurement precision
If an array sensor is employed for wavelength detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive array sensor with a combination of a diffraction grating and a movable mirror that can be manufactured at lower cost, using simpler optical components to achieve the same wavelength detection function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the expensive array sensor from the system and extracts only the essential wavelength selection function, implementing it through cheaper optical components like a movable mirror and diffraction grating
3Measurement precision
If multiple optical components are used for wavelength dispersion and detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wavelength selection and detection functions into a compact configuration where the movable mirror and single light sensor work together, reducing the overall device size compared to systems using array sensors with multiple fixed components
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reflection surfaces are used for wavelength selection, then adaptability is improved, but light intensity loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamically movable mirror instead of multiple fixed reflection surfaces, allowing the same mirror to be positioned at different angles to select different wavelengths, maintaining adaptability while reducing the number of optical surfaces and associated light losses
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 the creation of a small-scale and inexpensive spectrometer capable of producing a spectroscopic spectrum with desired wavelengths using a single light sensor, simplifying the device configuration and reducing light intensity loss.
Implementation Method 1
a diffraction grating configured to disperse, according to wavelength, the light that is incident through the light incidence unit
Implementation Method 2
a reflection unit including a reflection surface for reflecting the light that has been dispersed according to wavelength by the diffraction grating
Data Source
AI summary
(Object) To enable to provide a small-scale and low-cost spectrometer (Means of Achieving the Object) A spectrometer includes: a light incidence unit configured to allow incidence of light from outside; a diffraction grating configured to disperse, according to wavelength, the light that is incident through the light incidence unit; and a reflection unit including a reflection surface for reflecting the light that has been dispersed according to wavelength by the diffraction grating. Tilt of the reflection surface is changeable.