Infrared photonic crystal spectrometer
This technology is a compact, robust photonic crystal-based spectrometer designed to extract wavelength-specific information from light without moving parts, enabling miniaturized and robust infrared spectral analysis.
Unmet Need: Portable and robust infrared spectroscopy for harsh environments
Current infrared (IR) spectrometers, such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) devices, rely on moving mirrors to achieve spectral resolution, making them bulky and sensitive to vibrations. Relying on moving parts limits their utility in portable applications, high-vibration settings, or extreme environments, such as high vacuums or cryogenic temperatures. There is a need for a miniaturized, durable spectrometer that can perform high-quality molecular analysis in non-stable laboratory settings.
The Technology: Compact, solid-state spectrometer using photonic crystal arrays
This technology utilizes the leaky modes of an array of photonic crystals patterned on a multimode waveguide to selectively extract wavelength-specific light. Unlike conventional Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) systems, this device resolves wavelengths along two dimensions, allowing the extracted light to be detected by a standard 2D detector array (imager). This design eliminates the need for moving parts, significantly reducing the device footprint while increasing tolerance to vibration, temperature fluctuations, and vacuum environments.
Applications:
- Identification of small molecules (e.g., CO and other contaminants) in air and water
- Rapid and portable biological/chemical analysis and sensing
- Rapid and portable molecular analysis for forensics
- Emissions testing and analysis
- Airport security testing
- Integrated infrared (IR) spectrometry in high vacuum scientific equipment
- Pharmaceutical and industrial process monitoring
Advantages:
- No moving parts, enabling mechanical robustness
- Significant miniaturization potential compared to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) systems
- Compatible with two-dimensional detector arrays
- Operates in vacuum and cryogenic environments
- Reduced optical path length
- Potential for portable and embedded IR spectroscopy
Lead Inventor:
Ioannis (John) Kymissis, Ph.D.
Patent Information:
Patents Issued (US 9,366,571, US 8,854,624)
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR M11-035, M10-123
Licensing Contact: Greg Maskel