Variable Wavelength Interference Filter with Segmented Fixed Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrometric systems with variable wavelength interference filters require numerous adjustments to measure broadband or high-precision optical spectra, leading to increased measurement periods due to the large number of target wavelengths and corresponding gap dimension changes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a variable wavelength interference filter paired with a fixed wavelength filter, where the variable wavelength interference filter's transmission peak wavelengths correspond to specific filter regions of the fixed wavelength filter, allowing for simultaneous detection of multiple wavelengths by changing the gap dimension within predetermined intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of target wavelengths for the variable wavelength interference filter is increased to measure broadband or high-precision optical spectrum, then the measurement precision and bandwidth are improved, but the number of times the gap dimension must be changed increases, resulting in an increase in the measurement period
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed wavelength filter is divided into multiple filter regions, each having a different transmission wavelength segment. Each filter region corresponds to a specific transmission peak wavelength of the variable wavelength interference filter. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously detect multiple wavelengths by adjusting the variable wavelength interference filter to different gap dimensions, rather than sequentially measuring each wavelength, thus reducing the measurement period while maintaining high measurement precision across broadband ranges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines a variable wavelength interference filter with a fixed wavelength filter having multiple filter regions in a single optical path. The transmission peak wavelengths of the variable wavelength interference filter correspond to the transmission wavelength segments of the filter regions. This merging allows simultaneous detection of multiple wavelengths through a unified system, reducing the number of separate measurements needed and thereby shortening the overall measurement period
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of target wavelengths for the variable wavelength interference filter is increased to measure broadband or high-precision optical spectrum, then the spectral coverage is improved, but the number of steps to change the gap dimension increases, resulting in an increase in the measurement period
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed wavelength filter is segmented into multiple filter regions with different transmission wavelength segments, where each region corresponds to a specific transmission peak wavelength of the variable wavelength interference filter. This segmentation enables the system to cover a broad spectral range by adjusting the variable wavelength interference filter to different gap dimensions, with each adjustment simultaneously activating detection across multiple wavelength segments, thus achieving wide spectral coverage without proportionally increasing the number of adjustment steps
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed wavelength filter with multiple filter regions serves multiple functions simultaneously - each filter region can detect a specific wavelength segment. When the variable wavelength interference filter is adjusted to a particular gap dimension, its transmission peak wavelength aligns with multiple filter regions, enabling the system to perform multiple wavelength detections with a single adjustment, thereby achieving universal spectral coverage with reduced measurement steps
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 reduces the number of steps required to change the gap dimension, thereby shortening the measurement period, especially for systems measuring over wide bandwidths or with high precision, while enabling simultaneous detection of multiple wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
a variable wavelength interference filter including a pair of reflection films and having a plurality of transmission peak wavelengths according to a dimension of a gap between the pair of reflection films
Implementation Method 2
a fixed wavelength filter disposed so as to face the variable wavelength interference filter and having a plurality of filter regions different from one another in transmission wavelength segment
Data Source
AI summary
An optical filter includes a variable wavelength interference filter including a pair of reflection films and having a plurality of transmission peak wavelengths according to the dimension of the gap between the pair of reflection films and a fixed wavelength filter disposed so as to face the variable wavelength interference filter and having a plurality of filter regions different from one another in transmission wavelength segment. The plurality of transmission peak wavelengths of the variable wavelength interference filter correspond to the transmission wavelength segments of the plurality of filter regions, respectively. The plurality of transmission peak wavelengths of the variable wavelength interference filter each change within the corresponding transmission wavelength segment of the plurality of filter regions in accordance with a change in the gap dimension.