Low-cost and compact: Individually configurable spectrometer platform developed

Compact and ultra-compact near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy systems for the evaluation of organic substances are critical to industries as diverse as food, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. On-site, non-destructive analysis provides confidence in quality control and saves time. The non-resonant Scanning Mirror Micro Spectrometer (SMMS) platform developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS offers a compact and cost-effective alternative to expensive benchtop devices based on line sensors and also allows individual spectrometer configuration.

With a focus on on-site applications, Fraunhofer IPMS has developed a new Scanning Mirror Micro Spectrometer (SMMS) platform based on a single-axis MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System) scanning mirror. The non-resonant scanning approach offers the possibility to realize unique measurement scenarios, such as the narrowing of the spectral range and the associated reduction of measurement time.

The latest IPMS micro scanner technology allows different spectrometer configurations with customizable spectral range and spectral resolution. The spectral range in the standard configuration covers 1000 nm to 1900 nm but can be customized by selecting different diffraction gratings and detectors, especially with variants up to 2200 nm and 2500 nm. The spectral resolution is ≤ 10 nm (FWHM) over the entire spectral range and can be customized by selecting a suitable entrance and/or exit slit. Individual customer evaluation kits are available on request.

In addition to the compact size, there are technological aspects that are relevant for high-volume manufacturability. Competitive manufacturing costs are achieved through the use of basic components and reduced electronic complexity, as well as efficient assembly and interconnection technology and system integration.

Application areas of the system include the near-infrared spectral range in the different system variants up to wavelengths of 1900 nm, 2200 nm, or 2500 nm, enabling applications in the food, textile, and pharmaceutical industries. Other applications include medical and life sciences, materials processing and quality control of plastics, petrochemicals, recycling, and other applications requiring reliable, non-destructive on‑site analysis.

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is the leading organization for applied research in Europe. Its research activities are conducted by 72 institutes and research units at locations throughout Germany. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft employs a staff of more than 26,600, who work with an annual research budget totaling more than 2.5 billion euros. Of this sum, more than 2.1 billion euros is generated through contract research.

Around 70 percent of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft’s contract research revenue is derived from contracts with industry and from publicly financed research projects. International collaborations with excellent research partners and innovative companies around the world ensure direct access to regions of the greatest importance to present and future scientific progress and economic development.