Abstract: A multi-spectrum, multi-channel imaging spectrometer includes two or more input slits or other light input devices, one for each of two or more input channels. The input slits are vertically and horizontally displaced, with respect to each other. The vertical displacements cause spectra from the two channels to be vertically displaced, with respect to each other, on a single image sensor on a stationary image plane. The horizontal displacements cause incident light beams from the respective input channels to strike a convex grating at different respective incidence angles and produce separate spectra having different respective spectral ranges. A retroflective spectrometer includes a convex grating that, by diffraction, disperses wavelengths of light at different angles and orders approximately back along an incident light beam. A single concave mirror reflects both the input channel and the dispersed spectrum.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making a self-aligning optical system are provided, Briefly described, in architecture, one such system for making an optical system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system comprises a grating substrate supporting a holographically-formed diffraction grating and an array mount for defining relative locations of point sources of light. The array mount comprises recording points that define locations of point sources of recording light used to illuminate the grating substrate during fabrication of the holographically-formed diffraction grating and use points that define locations of light apertures used in operation of the holographically-formed diffraction grating. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The optical wavelength standard comprises a diffraction grating having a diffractive surface, an input arrangement and an output optical arrangement. The input optical arrangement is located to illuminate the diffractive surface of the diffraction grating with incident light at an angle of incidence at which absorption of the incident light at a resonance wavelength generates surface plasmons. The output optical arrangement is located to receive the incident light specularly reflected from the diffractive surface of the diffraction grating as reflected light. The reflected light includes an absorption line at the resonance wavelength. The absorption line provides the wavelength reference. The resonance wavelength is defined by the angle of incidence and the physical characteristics of the diffraction grating. A desired resonance wavelength can be obtained by appropriately defining the angle of incidence and the physical characteristics of the diffraction grating.

Abstract: A multiplexing or demultiplexing system comprises an optical fiber interface and a concentric spectrometer coupled to the optical fiber interface. The concentric spectrometer multiplexes or demultiplexes optical signals and subjects such optical signals to a relatively low amount of optical aberrations. Thus, using the concentric spectrometer to multiplex or demultiplex optical signals within an optical network helps to reduce spreading of the channels within the optical network.

Abstract: A high resolution aberration corrected concentric spectrometer (10) includes a convex diffraction grating (60) having a plurality of nonparallel lines. The curved lines of the convex grating (60) provide correction for field aberrations. The utilization of a convex diffraction grating (60) enables the present spectrometer (10) to provide highly accurate spectral imaging with greatly improved resolution. By utilizing the convex diffraction grating (60) with the nonparallel grooves, the spectrometer is functional for a large number of applications.

Abstract: A spectral analysis system which may operate as a spectrograph or monochromator comprises a folded optical path within a housing wherein the optical input is provided on one side and the optical output is provided on an opposite side at a spectral focal field, thereby separating optical and electrical functions. The folded optical path is provided within a vertically extending portion of the housing providing for a narrow profile to the optical instrument and keeping the entrance and exit apertures in-line in close proximity. The grating is caused to operate in a near Littrow condition with a reflecting prism having first and second inclined surfaces which respectively reflect entrance aperture light to said grating and disperse exit aperture light from said grating along paths slightly inclined to the Littrow axis of the grating.