Toward a Nanophotonic Nose: A Compressive Sensing-Enhanced, Optoelectronic Mid-Infrared Spectrometer

Abstract

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy has been a central tool for chemical analysis for decades, useful in a wide range of fields for the detection and quantification of molecules based on their unique vibrational resonances. Conventional IR spectroscopy relies on bulky, dispersive optics, however, making portability and miniaturization a substantial challenge. Here we demonstrate a micron-scale IR spectrometer where spectrally selective detection is performed optoelectronically based on the wavelength-dependent mid-IR photocurrent responses of an array of Al grating-based detectors fabricated on a doped Si substrate. Compressive sensing techniques extend our resolution, enabling spectral features to be identified with a remarkably small number of detectors. This work demonstrates a CMOS-compatible, readily scalable approach for the fabrication of compact, room-temperature IR spectrometers capable of use in fieldable applications.