Tailored detection efficiency for linear variable filter-based sensors: applying simulation models of spectral...

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Spectroscopy
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Accurate modeling of spectral sensors is crucial for optical design.
• Linear Variable Filters (LVFs) exhibit position-dependent spectral properties (e.g., transmittance, central wavelength, bandwidth) that must be accounted for.
• Existing optical design tools may lack robust methods for simulating these dynamic filter characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a straightforward method for integrating position-variable spectral properties of LVFs into commercial optical design software.
• To enable accurate simulation of LVF-based spectral sensor detection.
• To demonstrate the utility of this approach for optimizing spectral module performance.

Main Methods:

• Developed a dynamic link library (DLL) to encapsulate all position-dependent spectral properties of an LVF.
• Integrated the DLL into a commercial optical design software.
• Modeled the transmission properties of an LVF (450-850 nm) using a simplified, accurate model system accounting for position, wavelength, and angle dependence.
• Simulated an efficiency-enhancing spectral module comprising an LVF-mirror arrangement with a multiple-reflected beam path.

Main Results:

• The integrated DLL successfully models the complex spectral behavior of LVFs within the optical design tool.
• The simplified model accurately describes measured transmission properties.
• The simulation enabled optimization of detection efficiency for specific wavelength ranges in the spectral module.

Conclusions:

• The proposed DLL integration provides an effective and straightforward approach for simulating LVF-based spectral sensors.
• This method enhances the accuracy of optical design for spectral sensing applications.
• The tool facilitates the optimization of detection efficiency, crucial for applications requiring tailored spectral performance.