Trade fair highlight 30. April 2024
Flexible microspectrometer for mobile applications
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF have developed a particularly compact spectrometer module. It maps spectra from 39 optical fibers onto a camera sensor in the smallest of spaces. This is made possible by special micro-optics.
If you want to spectrally analyze the light from many distant measuring points, you can either use several separate microspectrometers or expensive laboratory equipment. Neither is an option when it comes to flexible or even mobile applications. A team from Fraunhofer IOF has now developed a solution in which light is flexibly guided to a single, very compact optical system using 39 optical fibers. This maps the spectral information onto the image sensor of a camera.
Researchers from Jena have developed a special micro-optical system for processing signals transmitted via optical fibers. It consists of many spectrometers arranged next to each other, forming what is known as a spectrometer array.
Each channel contains a prism-grating-prism arrangement between achromatic microlenses. The microlenses are separated by spacers to prevent crosstalk between the channels. The array arrangement allows all spectrometer channels to be mounted together and results in an optical system length of just under two centimetres.
Despite the limited dimensions, the system covers the spectrum from around 400 to 800 nanometers.
If you want to spectrally analyze the light from many distant measuring points, you can either use several separate microspectrometers or expensive laboratory equipment. Neither is an option when it comes to flexible or even mobile applications. A team from Fraunhofer IOF has now developed a solution in which light is flexibly guided to a single, very compact optical system using 39 optical fibers. This maps the spectral information onto the image sensor of a camera.
Researchers from Jena have developed a special micro-optical system for processing signals transmitted via optical fibers. It consists of many spectrometers arranged next to each other, forming what is known as a spectrometer array.
Each channel contains a prism-grating-prism arrangement between achromatic microlenses. The microlenses are separated by spacers to prevent crosstalk between the channels. The array arrangement allows all spectrometer channels to be mounted together and results in an optical system length of just under two centimetres.
Despite the limited dimensions, the system covers the spectrum from around 400 to 800 nanometers.
Fraunhofer IOF
Contact
Mr. Stefan Riehemann