Optical detector
AssigneeUniversity of Wyoming
InventorsWilliam D. Rice, Subash Kattel, Joseph R. Murphy
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatus for and methods of detecting light utilizing the spin Seebeck effect (SSE). In an embodiment, a method for detecting broadband light is provided. The method includes generating a SSE in a device by illuminating the device with light, the device comprising a bilayer structure disposed over a substrate, the bilayer structure comprising a non-magnetic metal layer and a magnetic insulator layer. The method further includes measuring the SSE based on a field modulation method, determining, based on the measuring, an optically-created thermal gradient of the device, and detecting a wavelength range of the light. Apparatus for detecting broadband light are also described.
Claims20
A method for detecting broadband light, comprising:
- generating a spin Seebeck effect (SSE) in a device by illuminating the device with light, the device comprising a bilayer structure disposed over a substrate, the bilayer structure comprising a non-magnetic metal layer and a magnetic insulator layer;
- measuring the SSE based on a field modulation method;
- determining, based on the measuring, an optically-created thermal gradient of the device;
- and
- detecting a wavelength range of the light.
An apparatus for detecting broadband light, comprising:
- a multilayer structure, the multilayer structure configured to generate an electrical voltage from a spin current;
- an electromagnet configured to apply a magnetic field to the multilayer structure;
- a voltmeter coupled to the multilayer structure;
- an excitation source to emit light, the excitation source optically coupled to the multilayer structure;
- and
- an optical device configured to direct the light towards the multilayer structure, the optical device comprising:
- a plurality of reflecting facets;
- a linear polarizer;
- a wave plate;
- and
- an optical chopper.
An apparatus for detecting broadband light, comprising:
- a thermal electric cooler;
- a heat sink disposed over at least a portion of the thermal electric cooler, the heat sink thermally coupled to the thermal electric cooler;
- a multilayer structure disposed over at least a portion of the heat sink, the multilayer structure comprising a substrate, a magnetic insulator layer disposed over the substrate, and a non-magnetic metal layer disposed over the magnetic insulator layer;
- and
- a voltmeter coupled to the multilayer structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.