Compact Stationary Spectrometer for Wide Spectral Range Applications

The development of a Fourier transform spectrometer with a minimum number of moving parts (or more ideally no moving parts - the so-called stationary spectrometer) has been the subject of considerable research and development. Recent work on a birefringence based system has resulted in the introduction of a commercial version of the system. While a significant step toward the goal of a practical stationary spectrometer, the device still has limited spectral coverage and remains very expensive (from $13,000/unit to $30,000/unit, depending on the spectral coverage). Under the Phase I program, OPTRA will demonstrate an all-reflective stationary Fourier transform spectrometer, based on the use of Fresnel mirrors and linear detector arrays. The system will be inherently broadband, being limited only by the detector spectral response. Moderate sized arrays (256 elements) will provide spectral resolution of better than 2%. The proposed program also emphasizes the development of both performance models and cost models to assure reasonable prospects for commercialization.