Ultra-compact Fabry-Perot array for low-cost, high-resolution hyperspectral imaging

All materials can be uniquely identified by characterizing the electromagnetic radiation they absorb and emit. Visualization of such spectral "fingerprints" requires hyperspectral imaging, across many frequencies and can be used to remotely detect weapons, biological agents, and chemicals. This technology is an integrated solid-state hyperspectral imager that does not require complex optical elements, like gratings, that are present on existing imagers. It can be set up for high-throughput or high-resolution imaging and can scan at high speeds. With reduced costs and improved quality, this technology can be used to better secure sensitive areas, perform remote sensing, assay biological processes, and potentially rapidly diagnose disease.

Integrated, solid-state imaging system for efficient hyperspectral visualization

This technology combines a Fabry-Perot interferometer with a conventional imaging integrated circuit chip. The tunable resonator consists of a soft material sandwiched between two broadband mirrors, with transparent electrodes placed on each side to create a capacitor. Each pixel consists of one such independently-tunable resonator, making it possible to set the imager to a high-throughput mode, a high-resolution mode, or any intermediate setting.

A prototype device is currently being fabricated.

Lead Inventor:

Dirk Englund, Ph.D.

Applications:

• Remote sensing of chemical and biological agents
• Securing sensitive areas
• Detecting potential weapons
• Assaying chemical and biological processes
• Gas spectral analysis
• Medical diagnostics

Advantages:

• Compact solid-state device
• Reduced-cost
• Improved-resolution
• Easily integrates with existing imaging systems

Patent Information:

Patent Issued

Tech Ventures Reference: IR CU12032