Broadband and Ultrahigh Resolution Spectrometer Based on a Multimode Waveguide

This invention is used in analytical chemistry, biochemical sensing, material analysis, optical communication, and medical applications.  

Researchers

Dirk Englund / Edward Chen / Tim Schroder / Fan Meng / Noel Wan / Ren-Jye Shiue

Departments: Dept of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
Technology Areas: Biotechnology: Sensors & Monitoring / Communication Systems: Optical / Electronics & Photonics: Photonics
Impact Areas: Connected World

  • methods and apparatus for spectrometry using multimode interference in a tapered spiral-shaped waveguide
    United States of America | Granted | 9,709,440

Technology

The invention is a monolithic, compact spectrometer based on multimode interference (MMI) and can simultaneously achieve high resolving power and bandwidth in a simple-to-couple and compact device. It matches the performance of large grating spectrometers using modal interference in a multimode waveguide with an area of a few square millimeters or less. These kinds of MMI spectrometers could be used in applications requiring broadband operation and high-resolution spectroscopic analysis.  

Problem Addressed

Developing miniature spectrometers require sacrificing the high spectral resolution and broad operating range possible in large grating spectrometers. Therefore, there is a need to develop compact spectrometers with high resolution and broad operating range.  

Advantages

  • Wider operating range than other millimeter scale spectrometersIt offers both high resolving power and fractional bandwidth within a compact device
  • Comparative performance with large grating spectrometers  

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