Increasing the sensitivity of a miniature spectrometer using image processing

What is it about?

A real-time image processing algorithm is developed to enhance the sensitivity of a planar single-mode waveguide miniature spectrometer with integrated waveguide gratings. A novel approach of averaging along the arcs in a curved coordinate system is introduced which allows for collecting more light, thereby enhancing the sensitivity. The algorithm is tested using CdSeS/ZnS quantum dots drop casted on the surface of a single-mode waveguide. Measurements indicate that a monolayer of quantum dots is expected to produce guided mode attenuation approximately 11 times above the noise level.

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Why is it important?

In this work, a novel approach of averaging along the arcs in a curved coordinate system is introduced which allows for collecting more light which helps to enhance the sensitivity of an optical spectrometer. This enhanced sensitive spectrometer can be used to detect monolayer of chemical or biological molecules.

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