High resolution on-chip spectroscopy based on miniaturized microdonut resonators

We experimentally demonstrate a high resolution integrated spectrometer on silicon on insulator (SOI) substrate using a large-scale array of microdonut resonators. Through top-view imaging and processing, the measured spectral response of the spectrometer shows a linewidth of similar to 0.6 nm with an operating bandwidth of similar to 50 nm. This high resolution and bandwidth is achieved in a compact size using miniaturized microdonut resonators (radius similar to 2 mu m) with a high quality factor, single-mode operation, and a large free spectral range. The microspectrometer is realized using silicon process compatible fabrication and has a great potential as a high-resolution, large dynamic range, light-weight, compact, high-speed, and versatile microspectrometer. (C) 2011 Optical Society of America