Abstract: A wideband optical micro-spectrometer system for detecting the intensity of light as a function of wavelength. The device employs multiple optical micro-spectrometers generating adjacent spectra mounted onto a single photodetector array and digital processing techniques to generate a continuous wide spectrum from the narrower spectrums generated by the optical micro-spectrometers. Optical micro-spectrometers generating non-adjacent spectra could also be employed to produce spectral data for predetermined non-adjacent spectral ranges. System reliability is improved and maintenance reduced with the use of pre-aligned optical micro-spectrometers. Thereby, a device is created which has the spectral range of larger spectrometers having a much reduced physical size, increased system reliability and reduced maintenance requirements.

Abstract: An optical sensor unit is provided which is capable of being manufactured as a small sensor package as a result of a novel housing used to align a sensing element with respect to an incoming optical signal, such as a beam of light generated by an LED or laser. An arcuate internal passage within the housing defines a reflective optical waveguide which is capable of redirecting the light as it travels through the housing, such that mirrors, prisms and collimating lenses are not required. Furthermore, the optical waveguide is an improvement over the use of optical fibers which are bent to form a waveguide, in that losses and mechanical failures associated with sharp bends in optical fibers are avoided.