Planar waveguide optical spectrum analyzer using a UV-induced grating

An optical spectrum analyzer is demonstrated using a UV-induced, chirped grating on a planar waveguide and a linear detector array. The grating provides both the dispersion with respect to wavelength and the imaging function. The spectral response has a full-width at half-maximum of 0.15 nm and a bandwidth of 7.8 nm. A chirp of -1.75 nm/cm and a 12-cm focal length were used. The design parameters are discussed in terms of the chirp, focal length and resolution. The wavelength dependence of the optimal chirp limits the resolution for small focal lengths. For longer focal lengths, the spotsize is diffraction limited and high resolution can be achieved with minimal fabrication complexity.