Optical spectrometer based on continuously-chirped guided mode resonance filter

In this work we introduce a tunable GMR filter based on continuously period-chirped (ΔP = 130 nm) gratings using a Ta₂O₅ waveguide layer with graded thickness (ΔT = 36 nm). The structure of the gradient-period grating is defined using a modified Lloyd's mirror interferometer with a convex mirror, and Ta₂O₅ film used for the gradient is deposited using masked e-beam evaporation. The as-realized chirped GMR filter provides sharp transmission dips at resonant wavelengths with a filter bandwidth of approximately 4.2 nm and 0.78 nm when respectively applied to TE and TM polarized light under normal incidence. Gradually sweeping the chirped GMR filter makes it possible to monotonically sweep through resonant wavelengths from 500 to 700 nm, while maintaining stable filter bandwidth and transmission intensity. The optical spectrum of the incoming light can then be loyally reconstructed accordingly. We successfully demonstrate the spectrum reconstruction of a white light emitting diode and a dual-peak laser beam using the proposed chirped GMR filter as a dispersive device.