Hamamatsu Photonics Release: New Thumb-Sized MOEMS Mini-Spectrometer for Visible Light Spectrometry

Hamamatsu Photonics introduce the new C10988MA; a unique, ultra-compact spectrometer built using MOEMS technology. The C10988MA is a thumb-sized device, measuring only 27.6 x 13 x 16.8 mm, developed for use in portable and hand-held devices, where a standard mini-spectrometer would be too large and consume too much power. Not only small, but the C10988MA is also light, weighing only 9 grams.

To achieve such a small size required the combination of Hamamatsu’s MEMS and image sensor technologies. The new device uses an aberration-corrected concave grating with a very short focal length, and a blazed grating profile for high diffraction efficiency. The grating is replicated onto the top of a convex glass lens using nano-print technology. Directly opposite the grating is placed a dedicated CMOS silicon image sensor with an on-chip slit. This 75 µm x 750 µm slit is formed into the CMOS chip using MEMS technology. The distance between the sensor and slit is only 1 mm, whilst the grating to image sensor distance a mere 8.5 mm.

Through the use of these novel techniques, the C10988MA can offer a spectral resolution of 12 nm in the wavelength range of 340 nm to 750 nm, making it ideal for a range of visible light applications requiring a miniaturised spectrometer head. This is Hamamatsu working at the forefront of today’s MOEMS technologies, to bring unique and exciting products to an ever demanding market.

For further information contact us on 01707 294 888

Email: info@hamamatsu.co.uk or visit our website: www.hamamatsu.co.uk