Abstract: A high-performance birefringent imaging optical spectrometer (BIOS) based on liquid crystal elements is designed, built, and characterized. The result is a remarkably compact and simple system for spectral imaging of 2D scenes, with high throughput (85%), no moving parts, and perfect spatial registration between images. Key results include resolution of 4 nm shifts and demonstration of near diffraction-limited image quality. One special benefit is that the interferometer has a setting at which all wavelengths are transmitted without loss; this `white light' setting is of practical benefit in focusing and other sample handling steps. The signal-to-noise of interferometric systems is derived theoretically and compared against filters-based instruments for various source spectra. Based on this analysis and the demonstrated performance of the BIOS system, it appears well-suited to applications such as discriminating between multiple fluorescent probes.!13
展开▼
