Combination optical filter and diffraction grating and associated systems and methods

Abstract

Optical components and systems comprising combined optical filters and diffraction gratings are generally described. In certain embodiments, an optical filter is in contact with a diffraction grating. In certain embodiments, the optical filter and the diffraction grating can be used to diffract and direct a first portion of electromagnetic radiation incident upon the grating and filter toward a receiver while filtering a second portion of the electromagnetic radiation incident upon the grating and filter.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 - 102 . (canceled) 
     
     
         103 . A method, comprising:
 applying a liquid to a diffraction grating wherein the liquid hardens to form an absorptive optical filter in contact with the diffraction grating.   
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein the liquid comprises an absorptive additive dispersed within a liquid carrier. 
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 104 , wherein the absorptive additive comprises a dye. 
     
     
         106 . The method of  claim 104 , wherein the liquid carrier comprises a thermoset material. 
     
     
         107 . The method of  claim 106 , wherein the thermoset material comprises an epoxy. 
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein the absorptive optical filter comprises a polymer. 
     
     
         109 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein the liquid is cured to form the absorptive optical filter. 
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein the diffraction grating comprises grating features arranged in a reflective layer. 
     
     
         111 . The method of  claim 110 , wherein the reflective layer is adhered to a grating substrate. 
     
     
         112 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein the absorptive optical filter is in contact with a grating surface of the diffraction grating. 
     
     
         113 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein the absorptive optical filter is in direct contact with a grating surface of the diffraction grating. 
     
     
         114 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein the absorptive optical filter is configured such that the intensity of at least one wavelength of visible electromagnetic radiation that is transmitted through the absorptive optical filter is less than about 10% of the intensity of the at least one wavelength of the visible electromagnetic radiation originally incident upon the absorptive optical filter. 
     
     
         115 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein the absorptive optical filter comprises an absorptive medium having a first outer surface facing the diffraction grating and a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, and the first and/or second outer surfaces of the absorptive medium of the absorptive optical filter are parallel, within 2 degrees, to a grating surface of the diffraction grating. 
     
     
         116 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein the second outer surface of the absorptive medium is substantially planar. 
     
     
         117 . An optical component, comprising:
 a diffraction grating comprising a grating surface; and   an absorptive optical filter comprising a first outer surface in contact with the grating surface of the diffraction grating and a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, the second outer surface parallel, within 2 degrees, to the grating surface of the diffraction grating.   
     
     
         118 . The optical component of  claim 117 , wherein the absorptive optical filter is configured such that the intensity of at least one wavelength of visible electromagnetic radiation that is transmitted through the absorptive optical filter is less than about 10% of the intensity of the at least one wavelength of the visible electromagnetic radiation originally incident upon the absorptive optical filter.