Optical sensors have applications in chemical detection, thermal imaging, motion sensing, and temperature measurement. A narrow-band optical filter is often used to confine radiation intensity measurement to a specific range of optical wavelengths. Similarly, devices such as optical displays require precise filtration and modulation of light. The current project seeks to create a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device with narrow-band optical filtering and modulation properties. This research will result in technology to decrease sensor size and improve sensor functionality, thus increasing the application space for narrow-band optical sensors. Our research spans the visible and infrared wavelengths and takes advantage of micro- and nano-fabrication.
Project end date: 01/28/08