Today, with the rapid development of science and technology, spectrum chip technology is quietly changing the way we understand the universe with its unique advantages. The astronomical photonics team of the Nanjing Institute of Astronomical Optics and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the team of the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology have successfully developed the "Cascade Phase Modulated Waveguide Array Spectral Chip", with a measured resolution of up to 68,000, which undoubtedly injects new vitality into China's scientific and technological development and contributes Chinese wisdom to the global scientific and technological process.
Ⅰ Spectral chips: the driving force behind technological change
Spectral chips, as the product of the integration of modern optical technology and microelectronic technology, are gradually becoming a key force to promote scientific and technological change. Its ability to accurately analyze optical signals provides a powerful tool for scientific research and industrial applications. In the field of astronomical observation, spectral chips can help us parse the spectral information of distant stars, thereby revealing the mysteries of the universe. In environmental monitoring, it can accurately detect the spectral characteristics of pollutants and provide a scientific basis for environmental protection. In the biomedical field, spectral chips can be used for disease diagnosis, and early detection and precision treatment can be achieved by analyzing the spectral characteristics of biological samples.
However, traditional spectral chips have many limitations in terms of resolution, size, and cost. High-resolution spectral chips tend to be bulky and expensive, limiting their wide range of applications. The spectral chip developed by China's scientific research team reduces the chip size by 90% under the same spectral resolution through an innovative cascade phase modulation structure, realizing the perfect combination of high resolution and miniaturization, and opening up a new path for the future development of spectral chips.
Figure: Schematic diagram of the CPMWA chip structure
Ⅱ Technological breakthrough: the leap from theory to practice
The breakthrough of the spectral chip benefits from the application of a series of innovative technologies and methods. First, the research team adopted a cascaded phase modulation structure, which realizes the miniaturization of high-resolution spectral chips through ingenious waveguide design. Secondly, in order to solve the spectral contrast problem caused by the inevitable processing error in the micro-nano manufacturing process, the team proposed a spectral reconstruction algorithm. The algorithm accurately calculates and corrects the phase deviation of each waveguide by modeling the light propagation and multi-beam stem imaging process, and improves the spectral contrast to 20dB. This algorithm requires no additional hardware calibration, paving the way for mass production of low-cost, self-calibrating chip spectrometers.
These technological breakthroughs not only demonstrate the innovation ability of China's scientific research team, but also provide new ideas and methods for the development of spectral chip technology. They mark that China has moved from theoretical research to practical application in the field of spectral chips, and provide a solid foundation for future technological innovation and industrial upgrading.
Figure: Experimental setup of a CPMWA spectrometer. MO, microscope objective; SL, spherical lens
Ⅲ Industry Impact: The shift from the lab to the market
The breakthrough of spectral chip technology will have a far-reaching impact on related industries. In the field of scientific research, high-resolution and miniaturized spectroscopic chips will provide more powerful tools for astronomical observation and material analysis, and accelerate the process of scientific research. In industrial applications, low-cost, high-performance spectral chips will promote technological upgrades in the fields of environmental monitoring and food safety testing, and improve production efficiency and product quality. In the field of consumer electronics, spectral chips are expected to be applied to smartphones, wearable devices, etc., bringing a new experience to consumers.
In addition, the development of spectral chip technology will also drive the coordinated development of related industrial chains. From chip manufacturing to system integration, from equipment research and development to application promotion, every link will usher in new opportunities and challenges. This will promote industrial innovation, create more jobs, and inject new impetus into economic growth.
Ⅳ International Competition: Forge ahead in the wave of science and technology
In the context of increasingly fierce global scientific and technological competition, the breakthrough of spectral chip technology is of great significance to enhance China's international competitiveness. At present, developed countries such as the United States and Japan are in a leading position in the field of spectral chips, with advanced technology and rich application experience. The results achieved by China's scientific research team this time show that China has caught up in this field and has the strength to compete with the international advanced level.
However, we should also be soberly aware that compared with the international leading level, there is still a certain gap in China's basic research, technological innovation and industrial application of spectral chips. In the future, we need to increase R&D investment, strengthen international cooperation, attract and cultivate high-quality talents, and further enhance China's international competitiveness in the field of spectral chips.
Ⅴ Looking ahead: a new era of technology with infinite possibilities
Looking forward to the future, the development of spectral chip technology has broad prospects. With the continuous advancement of technology, spectral chips will play an important role in more fields. In quantum communication, spectral chips are expected to become key devices for efficient quantum entanglement and information transmission. In the field of artificial intelligence, spectral chips will provide new solutions for optical computing and perception; In space exploration, spectral chips will help us gain a deeper understanding of the origin and evolution of the universe.
At the same time, the development of spectral chip technology will also promote interdisciplinary integration and innovation. The cross-penetration of optics, electronics, materials science, computer science and other disciplines will bring more innovation opportunities to spectral chip technology. This will give birth to a series of emerging technologies and industries, creating more possibilities for the development of human society.
The new breakthrough in the development of spectral chips in China is an important milestone in the journey of scientific and technological development. It not only demonstrates the strength and innovation ability of China's scientific research team, but also contributes Chinese wisdom to the global development of science and technology. In the future development, we need to take this breakthrough as an opportunity to further strengthen R&D and innovation, promote industrial application, enhance international competitiveness, and jointly welcome the arrival of a new era of science and technology.
