Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic MicrosystemsFraunhofer IPMS is a provider of fully-fledged and at the same time cost-effective grating spectrometers. Compared to the conventional use of expensive detector arrays, our spectrometers are based on an advantageous combination of MEMS technology and inexpensive point detectors. The cost advantage increases significantly towards longer wavelength ranges. In addition, wavelength ranges can be addressed for which no detector lines are available on the market. We cover all areas of the value chain for our customers, from studies, design and draft through to modules and complete systems. Our production capacities enable us to act as a reliable partner from initial samples to pilot production in small, medium and large quantities.
Compact grating spectrometer
Compact, modular NIR grating spectrometer with SMA fiber input ((SMMS-
1900-SMA-CEK)
What we offer:
- Customer Evaluation Kits in various design variants
- Development of NIR grating spectrometers and complete measurement setups according to customer requirements
- Adjustment of the spectral range, also for measurement tasks in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible (VIS) range
- Provision of customer-specific
- NIR grating spectrometers (initial sample)
- MEMS mirror in package or module
- MEMS mirrors as bare die (known good die, KG)
- Licensing of technologies and design variants
- Support with optical design, optomechanical design, process transfer through to complete development services (customizing)
Benefits for your project
- Fully-fledged NIR spectrometer without expensive detector array
- Customized spectral ranges possible, also in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible (VIS)
- Low entry barriers thanks to available customer evaluation kits
- Great scope for customer-specific adaptations (resolution, size, etc.)
- Wide range of applications from laboratory and on-site analysis to ultra-mobile applications
- Access to extensive development experience with spectrometers and their components
- One-stop store from concept to initial sample to pilot production
- Reliable partner along the entire value chain
Miniaturized NIR grating spectrometer with free beam coupling and a total volume of of 0.85 cm³ (related to the sensor head)
How it works - our NIR grating spectrometers in detail
Funktionsskizze eines Scanning Micro Mirror Spectrometer (SMMS).
Radiation (1) to be analyzed enters the spectrometer through an entrance slit (2) and is directed onto a diffraction grating (5) via a collimation mirror (3) and a MEMS mirror.
After spectral splitting at the grating, the radiation passes through the MEMS mirror again and, after focusing by a second mirror (6), reaches the exit slit (7) and the detector (8) located behind it.
The entrance and exit slits limit the radiation hitting the detector to a spectrally narrow section. Radiation that does not reach the detector is eliminated in the spectrometer using scatter and false light suppression methods.
By rotating the plane mirror in the MEMS, the entire spectral range is passed through the detector in a time sequence. The electrostatic drive and a high-precision deflection sensor are integrated components of the MEMS mirror. Integrated electronics and firmware complete the grating spectrometer.
Customer Evaluation Kits
Possible specifications of our NIR spectrometers are
| Option | Measuring range [nm] |
Resolution1, FWHM [nm] |
Wavelength stability | Entry port | Detector | Detector TE cooled |
| SMMS-1900- SMA-CEK |
1000 - 1900 | 10 | tbd | Fiber2 | InGaAs | No4 |
| SMMS-2200- SMA-CEK |
1100 - 2200 | 10 | tbd |
Fiber2 |
Ext. InGaAs | Yes |
| SMMS-2500- SMA-CEK |
1250 - 2500 | 12 | tbd |
Fiber2;3 |
Ext. InGaAs | Yes |
| 1) Slit width and resolution configurable, 2) Free beam coupling on request, 3) Fluoride fiber with reduced transmission below 2000 nm, 4) TE cooling on request | ||||||
Areas of application
In addition to use in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible (VIS) spectral range, grating spectrometers are particularly suitable for use in the near infrared (NIR).
A wide variety of organic substances can be excellently analyzed in the NIR. In general, grating spectrometers enable both the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of materials and material mixtures.
The large penetration depth of radiation in the near-infrared spectral range, which is accompanied by intrinsic averaging over a meaningful sample volume and low susceptibility to contamination of the sample surface, is particularly advantageous. Sample preparation is not required, or only to a small extent. Fiber probes can also be used to reliably measure samples that are difficult to access or that are under high pressure or temperature.
Compared to competing spectrometers, the technical design is simple and robust. Easy handling and low costs make NIR grating spectrometers an ideal analysis method along the entire value chain.
Trends
Our constant social striving to improve health, prosperity and quality of life is accompanied by ever new questions about our environment. Spectral analysis is an indispensable tool for answering these questions and is based on the timeless areas of application - evaluation, monitoring and control.
Current challenges arise, for example, from climatic changes, which are associated with both the quantitative and qualitative safeguarding of water and food supplies as well as the generally sparing use of limited resources.
New materials, biomedical procedures and individual health care offer considerable potential, but at the same time require new types of analysis during production and use. Moreover, the quest for improvement is no longer limited to industrialized countries, but includes global participation as a key factor. This is accompanied by changing requirement profiles in terms of manufacturing and application costs as well as operating conditions.
Common to all trends is an increasing demand for cost-efficient and self-sufficient spectrometers that can be used in decentralized applications.
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