Realization of the compact static Fourier transform spectrometer LLIFTS in glass integrated optics

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Integrated Optics
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Fourier transform spectrometers are crucial for spectral analysis.
• Miniaturization and cost-effectiveness are key challenges in spectrometer development.
• Planar waveguide interferometers offer potential for compact optical devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To realize and characterize a novel leaky loop integrated Fourier transform spectrometer (LLIFTS).
• To demonstrate a low-cost fabrication method for integrated spectrometers.
• To evaluate the performance of the LLIFTS for spectral measurements.

Main Methods:

• Utilized silver/sodium ion exchange on glass substrate for fabrication.
• Designed a planar two-beam interferometer based on a leaky loop waveguide structure.
• Measured interference patterns using a wavelength range from 1500 to 1630 nm.

Main Results:

• Successfully fabricated a compact optical device implementing the LLIFTS.
• Achieved wavelength resolutions of 14 nm and 11 nm for different leaky loop radii (350 µm and 500 µm).
• Demonstrated the feasibility of measuring interference patterns at the edge of the component.

Conclusions:

• The leaky loop integrated Fourier transform spectrometer (LLIFTS) is a viable technology for compact spectral analysis.
• The employed low-cost fabrication method is suitable for producing integrated optical devices.
• The LLIFTS shows promise for various sensing and spectroscopic applications requiring high resolution and miniaturization.