We propose the development of an ultra-compact, light-weight, scan-free and low-cost spectrometer in the visible to near-infrared region based on a novel diffractive optics in conjunction with a one-dimensional solid-state detector array. The dispersive component in the proposed spectrometer is a specially-tailored phase hologram. When the holographic film is coupled to a solid-state detector array in such a way that each pixel in the array responds to a specific wavelength, the result is a full display of spectrum covering a broad spectral range with a resolution of 2 nm. The entire spectrometer can be contained in an integrated-circuit package along with data acquisition electronics to form a stand-alone wrist-watched-sized device. It can also be integrated into another instruments as a sensor for process monitoring. No other spectrometer in the market can competes with its simplicity, compactness, and low cost. During phase I, we will conduct a feasibility study which includes the fabrication and characterization of the phase hologram, operation of a rudimentary spectrometer based on the phase hologram, and investigation of application-related issues. At the end of phase I, we will have the blue print and performance specification of the compact spectrometer to be implemented in Phase II. POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS The proposed ultra-compact light-weight scan-free spectrometer system is expected to find wide applications in both commercial remote sensing and chemoemetric spectrometry for the detection and analysis of chemical species. The commercially-viable instrument, we envision, is an unique self-contained wrist-watch-sized spectrometer containing the proposed chip-sized spectrometer and data acquisition electronics for detection and identification of chemicals and environmental hazards in the industrial or military environment. For the applications, which only require the measurement of a limited range of wavelength, an application-specific spectrometer sensitive only in this limited range of wavelength can be also constructed. Such simplified sensor device may be deployed at fixed sites or hand-carried as an accessory. The proposed device can also be integrated into another instrument to provide real-time in situ analysis of chemicals for automation in chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and petroleum industries.
