Metasurfaces could shrink spectrometers, transforming how we observe the Universe
Advanced Science News published an article on the work of Wenye Ji and his colleagues. They have unveiled a novel terahertz (THz) spectrometer that leverages cutting-edge technology, making it significantly smaller and lighter than traditional designs.
Spectrometers are tools used to analyze the spectral composition of light governed by its origin, playing a crucial role in fields like astronomy. However, their size and complexity have often limited their use in space missions, which sometimes are the only way to study celestial bodies.
A recent breakthrough might change all that. Researchers have unveiled a novel terahertz (THz) spectrometer that leverages cutting-edge technology, making it significantly smaller and lighter than traditional designs.
“The terahertz frequency region of the electromagnetic spectrum is crucial for understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies,” explained Wenye Ji, a doctoral student in the Optical Research Group at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. “However, current terahertz spectrometers face challenges such as low resolution, large volume, and complexity.”
Ji and his colleagues were able to create a centimeter-sized, low-weight terahertz spectrometer by taking advantage of metasurfaces. These are engineered materials with nanoscale structures that manipulate light in precise ways, enabling the miniaturization of optical devices without sacrificing performance.
The whole article can be read @ Advanced Science News
