Concept of a miniature optical spectrometer using integrated optical and micro-optical components

We describe the concept of a super compact diffractive imaging spectrometer, with optical components a few millimeters across in all dimensions, capable of detecting optical fluorescence spectra within the entire visible spectral range from 400 nm to 700 nm with resolution of the order of 2 nm. In addition, the proposed spectrometer is capable of working simultaneously with multiple, up to 35, independent input optical channels. A specially designed diffractive optical element integrated with a planar optical waveguide is the key component of the proposed device. In the preliminary experimental tests, a uniform waveguide grating with a microlens was used to mimic operation of the diffractive optical element. A microspectrometer with optical components measured below 1 cm in all dimensions covers the spectral range from 450 nm to 650 nm and shows a spectral resolution of 0.5 nm at wavelengths close to 514 nm and 633 nm.