Single-pixel p-graded-n junction spectrometers.

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Spectroscopy
• Materials Science

Background:

• Ultra-compact spectrometers are crucial for portable analytical devices.
• Existing technologies face limitations in size, cost, or performance.
• Need for miniaturized spectrometers in fields like biomedical analysis, environmental monitoring, and food safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel single-pixel-photodetector spectrometer.
• To introduce the Neural Spectral Fields (NSF) method for spectral reconstruction.
• To demonstrate the device's performance and potential for commercialization.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an AlGaAs/GaAs p-graded-n junction for voltage-tunable optical response.
• Developed the Neural Spectral Fields (NSF) method leveraging wavelength and bias-dependent responsivity.
• Employed a single-pixel photodetector for spectral data acquisition.

Main Results:

• Achieved a spectral range from 480 nm to 820 nm.
• Demonstrated high spectral wavelength accuracy up to 0.30 nm.
• Obtained a spectral resolution up to 10 nm.
• Showcased high spectral imaging performance.

Conclusions:

• The developed spectrometer is ultra-compact and highly accurate.
• The NSF method effectively reconstructs optical spectra from single-pixel data.
• Compatibility with standard III-V processes facilitates commercialization of miniaturized spectrometers.