University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a chip-scale optical spectrum analyzer that offers enhanced resolution. This innovative system provides a spectral resolution of approximately 1/100th of the wavelength or better, covering a broad range from UV to IR. The compact design integrates a line selection filter array, a channel selection filter array, and a photodetector array, making it the ultimate miniaturization of optical spectrum analyzer technology.
Description
The chip-scale optical spectrum analyzer consists of three main components: a line selection filter array, a channel selection filter array, and a photodetector array. The line selection filter array provides narrow passbands with a bandwidth of approximately 1/100th of the wavelength, while the channel selection filter array offers bandpass filtering with a bandwidth of approximately 1/10th of the wavelength, selecting one particular channel of passband among multiple bands. These two components are cascaded to form a compact filter array that provides high-resolution spectral analysis. The filter array structure is then combined with a detector array chip, such as CCDs, CMOS image sensors, or focal plane arrays, to convert the wavelength-selected light into electrical signals. This configuration achieves ultimate miniaturization of optical spectrum analyzer systems while maintaining high resolution, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including spectroscopy, spectral sensing and imaging, and fluorescence-based sensing.
Applications
- Spectroscopy
- Spectral sensing and imaging
- Fluorescence-based sensing (bio-chemicals)
- Any applications involving light as a carrier of information encoded in its spectral profiles
Advantages
This invention offers several advantages over current technologies. It achieves ultimate miniaturization while maintaining high resolution, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The scalable design allows for a large number of channels, and the use of nano-optic filters provides flexibility, control, and high throughput in designing and implementing filters. Additionally, the system can provide polarization detection capabilities as an intrinsic function of the metallic nano-optic structure.
Invention Readiness
The invention is currently at the proof-of-concept stage, with successful experiments demonstrating the high-resolution spectral analysis capabilities of the chip-scale system. Further development and optimization are needed to advance the technology towards commercialization.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US7426040B2
