Open AccessHigh-performance compact spectrometer based on multimode interference in a tapered spiral-shaped waveguide
Author(s) -
Meng Fan,
Yue Zhao,
Hui Wang,
Yunzuo Zhang
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.27.038349
Subject(s) - optics , broadband , bandwidth (computing) , multi mode optical fiber , spectrometer , physics , detector , interference (communication) , waveguide , spiral (railway) , amplitude , optical fiber , telecommunications , computer science , mathematical analysis , channel (broadcasting) , mathematics
Multimode interference patterns are strongly dependent on spectral components and can be used as fingerprints to reconstruct a spectrum with random amplitudes. Motivated by this concept, we designed and realized a high-performance compact spectrometer based on a tapered spiral-shaped waveguide with a detector array integrated directly on top. The device relies on imaging the multimode interference from leaky modes, resulting in a resolution of 20 pm in the visible range and a bandwidth from 545 to 725 nm with a 250 µm radius structure. Spectra of multiple narrow lines and synthesized broadband are well reconstructed. The ability to achieve such high resolution and broad bandwidth in a compact footprint is expected to have a significant role in low-cost and multifunctional integrated systems.