Virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) having air between reflecting surfaces

摘要

An apparatus which can be referred to as a Virtually Imaged Phased Array (VIPA). The apparatus receives an input light and produces a spatially distinguishable output light in accordance with the wavelength of the input light. The apparatus includes first and second surfaces separated from each other with air in between. The second surface has a reflectivity which allows a portion of light incident thereon to be transmitted therethrough. The first and second surfaces are positioned so that the input light is reflected a plurality of times between the first and second surfaces through the air to cause a plurality of lights to be transmitted through the second surface. The plurality of transmitted lights interfere with each other to produce the output light. Moreover, the input light is at a respective wavelength within a continuous range of wavelengths, and the output light is spatially distinguishable from an output light formed for an input light having any other wavelength within the continuous range of wavelengths.