Performance of chip-size wavelength detectors
Optics Express
|June 24, 2009
Summary
Compact chip-size wavelength detectors utilize a linear variable band-pass filter and photodetector array for rugged, monolithic spectrometers. This design excels at analyzing challenging light sources, offering excellent spectral performance.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Spectroscopy
- Microfabrication
Background:
- Conventional spectrometers often struggle with focusing diffuse or dynamic light sources.
- Compact spectrometers are desirable for field applications and integrated systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a chip-size wavelength detector concept for compact spectroscopy.
- To demonstrate the system's advantages for analyzing challenging light distributions.
Main Methods:
- Monolithic integration of a linear variable band-pass filter and a photodetector array on a single chip.
- Conversion of spectral distribution into a spatial distribution for detection.
- Testing with large light-emitting areas and moving point-like light sources.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the feasibility of compact, rugged spectrometers.
- Showcased excellent spectral performance for both static and dynamic light sources.
- Highlighted advantages for spectroscopy of light distributions difficult to focus.
Conclusions:
- Chip-size wavelength detectors offer a robust and compact solution for spectroscopy.
- The monolithic design is advantageous for integrating spectrometers into various systems.
- This technology is particularly beneficial for analyzing diffuse or moving light sources.
