Lippmann waveguide spectrometer with enhanced throughput and bandwidth for space and commercial applications

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Spectroscopy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Conventional Fourier transform spectrometers (FTS) face limitations in size and throughput.
• Miniaturization of high-resolution spectrometers is crucial for portable and advanced sensing applications.
• Planar waveguide technology offers potential for enhanced optical device performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and demonstrate the smallest possible Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) utilizing state-of-the-art technology.
• To leverage planar waveguide technology and nano-sampling for enhanced spectral resolution and bandwidth.
• To explore the potential of this waveguide FTS for real-case scenarios and imaging applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a waveguide FTS using silicon oxynitride/silicon dioxide technology.
• Integration of a customized pattern of nano-samplers on a planar waveguide surface.
• Characterization of the prototype spectrometer in the visible spectral range.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of a compact waveguide FTS prototype with high spectral resolution.
• Achieved a nominal bandwidth of 256 nm centered at 633 nm using a μm sampling interval.
• Enhanced throughput compared to conventional single-mode waveguide spectrometers.

Conclusions:

• The developed waveguide FTS represents a significant advancement in miniaturized spectrometer technology.
• The innovative use of nano-samplers and planar waveguides enables static increases in measurement points and bandwidth.
• This technology holds promise for future developments in imaging FTS and other optical sensing applications.