SBIR-STTR Award

This Small Business Technology Transfer Research project is for the development of an ultra-compact Diffractive Imaging Micro-Spectrometer for the entire visible spectral range. The spectrophotometer can operate with dozens of independent optical inputs and provide high resolving power in a wide spectral range. This compact low cost spectrophotometer may enable a wide variety of handheld detection sensors for use in chemical sensing and the detection of biological agents. This spectrometer has the ability to be mass produced and mass deployed which makes it attractive for homeland Security applications such as chemical sensing and bio-threats. A device with such size is inherently lightweight and rugged which makes it useful for defense applications such as un-manned airborne vehicles. The device also compliments lab-on-chip concepts

This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5). This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II project seeks to develop miniaturized optical spectrometers with high resolving power and wide operating wavelength ranges. The realization of such devices will open up important new applications areas. Factors which have limited the usage of current spectrometers include their size, weight, complexity, and cost. This project seeks to use both integrated optical (that is, mainly 2D) elements as well as micro-optical (3D) components to create a new type of spectrometer. We propose a unique separation of functions between these elements that allows for miniaturization, which is not available with pure integrated optical or pure micro-optical designs. The 2D part of the microspectrometer is implemented in a planar waveguide. The 3D part is mounted on top of the waveguide slab. The broader impact/commercial potential of these devices will be a broadband spectral sensor that is orders of magnitude smaller than the smallest devices currently available. This diffractive imaging micro-spectrometer is expected to promote transformative changes in industry sectors dealing with micro-systems that use optical spectroscopy