Spectral origami: an angle-variable, wavelength-selective concept with a highly efficient filter-based sensing.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Conventional filter-based sensors often rely on fixed-angle illumination, limiting their adaptability.
• Existing designs may involve complex or fragile components, hindering scalability and robustness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a compact spectral module with angle-variable wavelength-selective light detection.
• To introduce a novel optical design inspired by origami principles for enhanced sensor functionality.

Main Methods:

• Developed a filter-based module employing a reflective beam path with inclined mirrors.
• Integrated wavelength-separating interference filters within a robust assembly lacking moving parts.
• Experimentally verified the concept across a 550-700 nm wavelength range using 11 spectral channels.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated angle-variable spectral filtering.
• Achieved highly efficient wavelength-selective light detection.
• Validated the module's performance in a 550-700 nm spectral range.

Conclusions:

• The angle-variable spectral module concept is feasible and effective.
• The design offers potential for easily scalable and application-tailored sensors.
• This approach overcomes limitations of conventional fixed-angle filter-based sensors.