Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The echelle spectrometer utilizes an echelle grating as the primary dispersive element, combined with a prism or planar grating for cross-dispersion, to form a two-dimensional spectral image on an area-array Charge-Coupled Device (CCD). Compared with traditional spectrometers, this configuration provides superior spectral resolution, broader wavelength coverage, enhanced transient direct-reading capability, and higher energy throughput within a similar footprint. However, the use of area-array detectors significantly increases system cost, limiting adoption in cost-sensitive applications. To reduce cost while maintaining performance, we introduce a digital micromirror device (DMD) as a spatial light modulator to replace the traditional area-array detector, paired with a highly sensitive photomultiplier tube (PMT) for signal acquisition. The designed system operates across a wavelength range of 270 to 800 nm within a compact footprint of approximately 307 mm × 210 mm × 150 mm. The focused spot is accurately positioned on the DMD surface across the entire band, with the root mean square (RMS) spot radius smaller than a single micromirror’s size. Spectral information is efficiently coupled into the PMT via a focusing mirror by selectively flipping the DMD micromirrors for detection.
Source: Optics
DOI: 10.3390/opt7020020
Authors: Jia Liu, Ruikai Zhang, Yangdong Zhou, Dewu Li, Yixin Wang, Lu Yin
Institution: China Jiliang University
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,448
Awards: G1693515611, G7367644797
OpenAlex ID: W7134912465