Abstract: According to one aspect, an IR spectrometer includes a light source adapted to illuminate a sample, a grating adapted to spectrally disperse a light that has illuminated the sample, a MEMS array adapted to be electrostatically actuated by a controller to control a diffraction of the light, a detector configured to detect the light, and a power source adapted to supply power to the light source and to the MEMS array, wherein the controller is adapted to control the MEMS array so as to manage a power consumption of the IR spectrometer. In one embodiment, the IR spectrometer includes a housing sized and arranged to house the light source, the grating, the MEMS array, the controller, the detector, to and the power source in a hand-held device.

Abstract: An adjustable two-dimensional lamellar grating system including a lamellar grating and a movable mirror disposed substantially parallel to one another, and an interferometer using the adjustable lamellar grating system. In one example, the lamellar grating includes a dielectric wafer having a dielectric wafer having a plurality of periodically spaced recesses formed therein, wherein the dielectric wafer has higher reflectivity at its surface facing the movable mirror than at a second opposing surface. In one example, the system also includes a mechanism for moving the mirror relative to the dielectric wafer.

Abstract: A waveguide-based sensor is disclosed that uses one or more grating patterns of a bioreceptor on a surface of the waveguide to provide a wavelength-specific sensor response without the requirement of labeling the target molecule or the bioreceptor. Furthermore, there is provided a biosensor that, at least to a first order, is insensitive to non-specific binding.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus comprises a dielectric reflector, a plurality of ridges disposed on the dielectric reflector and a plurality of grooves disposed intermediate adjacent ridges to form a diffraction grating. Each of the ridges comprises a first dielectric material disposed on the dielectric reflector having a first index of refraction and a second dielectric material, having a second index of refraction different than the first index of refraction, disposed on the first dielectric material.

Abstract: A light processor (such as a spectrometer) providing wavelength equalization for a sample pathway and a reference pathway by actuation of a light amplitude modulator. A chemometric processor including a light amplitude modulator capable of performing chemical analysis by applying weights to wavelengths of light, thereby reducing the need for electronic post processing.

Abstract: A reflective diffraction grating having grooves and ridges and providing high throughput efficiency in the minus-first diffraction order. All but the zeroth diffraction order and the minus-first diffraction order may be prevented from existence by directing the radiation onto the grating at an appropriate angle. The radiation having a TM polarization is eliminated from the zeroth order by destructive interference by appropriate selection of a the groove width of the grating, and radiation having a TE polarization is eliminated from the zeroth order by destructive interference by depositing an overcoat of an appropriate thickness. A dielectric material may be deposited in the grooves.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing electromagnetic radiation is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a dielectric reflector, a plurality of ridges disposed on the dielectric reflector and a plurality of grooves disposed intermediate adjacent ridges to form a diffraction grating. Each of the ridges comprises a first dielectric material disposed on the dielectric reflector having a first index of refraction and a second dielectric material, having a second index of refraction different than the first index of refraction, disposed on the first dielectric material.

Abstract: A demultiplexer for use in a wavelength-division multiplexed optical system including a first positive lens group, a negative lens group, and a second positive lens group in order from a dispersive element and a reflective element. In some embodiments the reflective element is a light modulator, such as an actuatable diffraction grating. In some embodiments the demultiplexer is a part of a dynamic channel equalizer. In embodiments having a light modulator, the modulation may occur during both a first pass and a second pass.

Abstract: A reflective diffraction grating having grooves and ridges and providing high throughput efficiency in the minus-first diffraction order. All but the zeroth diffraction order and the minus-first diffraction order may be prevented from existence by directing the radiation onto the grating at an appropriate angle. The radiation having a TM polarization is eliminated from the zeroth order by destructive interference by appropriate selection of a the groove width of the grating, and radiation having a TE polarization is eliminated from the zeroth order by destructive interference by depositing an overcoat of an appropriate thickness. A dielectric material may be deposited in the grooves.

Abstract: A light processor (such as a spectrometer) providing wavelength equalization for a sample pathway and a reference pathway by actuation of a light amplitude modulator. A chemometric processor including a light amplitude modulator capable of performing chemical analysis by applying weights to wavelengths of light, thereby reducing the need for electronic post processing.

Abstract: A diffraction grating providing reduced polarization dependent loss. The elements of pixels of the diffraction grating are fixed or actuated such that some grating elements are actuated to correspond to a positive polarization dependent loss and others are actuated to correspond to a negative polarization dependent loss. The pixels may include multiples of three grating elements or multiples of four grating elements. An electrostatic beam structure providing increased actuation in a direction away from a substrate may be used in a diffraction grating providing reduced polarization dependent loss.