STTR Phase II: Diffractive Imaging Micro-Spectrometer

This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project seeks to develop miniaturized optical spectrometers with high resolving power and wide operating wavelength ranges. The realization of such devices will open up important new applications areas. Factors which have limited the usage of current spectrometers include their size, weight, complexity, and cost. This project seeks to use both integrated optical (that is, mainly 2D) elements as well as micro-optical (3D) components to create a new type of spectrometer. We propose a unique separation of functions between these elements that allows for miniaturization, which is not available with pure integrated optical or pure micro-optical designs. The 2D part of the microspectrometer is implemented in a planar waveguide. The 3D part is mounted on top of the waveguide slab. The broader impact/commercial potential of these devices will be a broadband spectral sensor that is orders of magnitude smaller than the smallest devices currently available. This diffractive imaging micro-spectrometer is expected to promote transformative changes in industry sectors dealing with micro-systems that use optical spectroscopy.