Visible-Infrared Plane Grating Imaging Spectrometer

Spectrometers are invaluable tools used for studying light spectrum across various wavelengths. These tools are essential in several applications, including chemical analysis, environmental monitoring, astrophysics, and healthcare. However, effectively controlling distortions, such as spatial keystone and spectral smile, across broad wavelengths has been a challenge. Ongoing efforts to tackle these distortions have mostly involved complex procedures and algorithms that are not always effective and can be time-consuming,  particularly when spectrometers are dealing with a broad spectrum stretching visible to infrared wavelengths. Current approaches struggle to maintain less distortion over broad wavelengths, leading to complex retrieval algorithms and possible inaccuracies.

Technology Description

This imaging spectrometer spreads visible through infrared wavelength light by utilizing a plane diffraction grating placed behind a wedged optical element. This novel design incorporates an achromatic doublet lens with a reflective coating on its convex backside to produce spectra on a flat detector mechanism. The configuration ensures efficient control of spatial keystone distortion and spectral smile to less than one tenth of a pixel's worth over the entire wavelength range. This control thus enables the easy application of simple retrieval algorithms. This technology sets itself apart becaue of its precision and effectiveness in controlling distortion. By significantly reducing keystone distortion and spectral smile, precise and accurate imaging spectrometry measurements are made possible. Furthermore, the ability to use simple retrieval algorithms makes it a unique solution, optimizing resource uptake and improving the speed of data processing.