Planar Waveguide-Based Fiber Spectrum Analyzer Mountable to Commercial Camera

Abstract

We present the design of a planar spectrometer that separates the wavelength channels from an input fiber and focuses the spectral lines onto a camera without any free-space optical elements. The geometric arrangements of the waveguides to achieve different spectroscopic parameters are explained in detail, allowing adjustable focal lengths, high spectral resolution, and broad free spectral range. The optical chip is fabricated on a low-cost polymer platform as proof of concept. The optical spectrum of a multiwavelength laser is measured by the proposed device, and the result is in good agreement with a commercial optical spectrum analyzer. The large focal depth of the chip allows an optical assembly of much relaxed alignment accuracy. We demonstrate a tube design to encapsulate the chip fixed with the input fiber. The assembly is then mounted to a commercial camera with standard C-mount threading as a convenient fiber spectrum analyzer without customized detectors and circuits. Our design may provide a low-cost and versatile solution for the development of compact spectroscopic equipment.