Pawlowski-Choi Imaging Spectrometer

Case ID:
UA24-198
Invention:

This imaging spectrometer is a compact device designed to analyze light and determine its spectrum. While it is similar to the Czerny-Turner spectrometer design, it features notable differences that enhance its functionality. The spectrometer uses two spherical mirrors to direct and focus the light and incorporates a Littrow prism in a unique, non-traditional configuration. This innovative arrangement allows the prism to effectively fold and disperse the light beam, significantly improving its performance. The reflective face blocks most of the unfocused light from reaching the detector, which helps to reduce issues with stray light and ghost images. Additionally, this setup enables the spectrometer to achieve twice the amount of dispersion that a single-pass prism of similar size would provide. The design offers well-balanced aberration control without requiring expensive optics, making it both affordable and efficient. The loose tolerances in the construction allow for easy assembly and ensure robustness in tough environments. This combination of features makes the spectrometer a practical solution for various applications, providing high performance and reliability without the need for high-precision, costly components.

Background: 
This imaging spectrometer aims to address the need for a cost-effective, robust solution for analyzing light spectra in various environments. Traditional spectrometers, like the Czerny-Turner design, often rely on expensive components such as parabolic or toroidal mirrors and high-precision optics, which can be both costly and delicate. Additionally, these setups can struggle with issues like stray light interference and ghost images, which can degrade the quality of the spectral data. Current solutions, while effective, tend to be expensive and complex, requiring precise alignment and high-quality components. This new spectrometer design offers a significant improvement that is more affordable, easier to assemble, and more durable in harsh environments, making high-quality spectral analysis more accessible. 

Applications: 

  • Remote sensing
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Material analysis
  • Medical diagnostics


Advantages: 

  • Cost-effective
  • Improved signal quality
  • Enhanced spectral resolution
  • Robust and easy assembly
Patent Information:
Contact For More Information:
Richard Weite
Senior Licensing Manager, College of Optical Sciences
The University of Arizona
RichardW@tla.arizona.edu
Lead Inventor(s):
Logan Pawlowski
Heejoo Choi
Keywords: