Abstract: The invention discloses a system for optical spectroscopy comprising a multi-wavelength semiconductor light source comprising a plurality of semiconductor light sources disposed on a silicon sub-carrier and emitting a plurality of radiation components spanning a wavelength range. The radiation components are coupled to a waveguide array disposed on the same silicon subcarrier. Output from the waveguide array provides a compact multi-wavelength laser source with wide tuning range via a plurality of laser sources. The system further comprises means for directing radiation components to a sample, and an optical detector configured to detect one of a radiation reflected from and transmitted through said sample. The system can be used in a variety of applications including the analysis of in-vivo human tissue, agricultural samples, and pharmaceutical samples. Typical wavelength ranges are 650-1000 nm, 700-1700 nm, and 1100-2500 nm.

Abstract: The invention discloses a multi-wavelength semiconductor light source comprising a plurality of semiconductor light sources mounted on a silicon sub-carrier and emitting radiation spanning a wavelength range. In preferred embodiments, these sources are configured in a linear and circular array. The radiation is coupled to a waveguide array disposed on the same silicon subcarrier, with a lower cladding of silicon dioxide and deposited core layer which is preferably the spin-on epoxy resin SU-8. Output from the waveguide array provides a compact multi-wavelength laser source with wide tuning range via a plurality of laser sources. An output spatial span of the waveguide array is smaller than an input spatial span and sufficiently small to probe the properties of a sample.