Miniaturization of optical spectrometers

Spectroscopic analysis is one of the most widely used analytical tools in scientific research and industry. Although laboratory benchtop spectrometer systems offer superlative resolution and spectral range, their miniaturization is crucial for applications where portability is paramount or where in situ measurements must be made. Advancement in this field over the past three decades is now yielding microspectrometers with performance and footprint near those viable for lab-on-a-chip systems, smartphones, and other consumer technologies. We summarize the technologies that have emerged toward achieving these aims-including miniaturized dispersive optics, narrowband filter systems, Fourier transform interferometers, and reconstructive microspectrometers-and discuss the challenges associated with improving spectral resolution while device dimensions shrink ever further.

Automated summary

Spectroscopic analysis is widely used in scientific research and industry, and the trend towards miniaturization is crucial for portability and in situ measurements. Advances in microspectrometer technology aim to achieve high performance and small footprint suitable for lab-on-a-chip systems, smartphones, and other consumer technologies, yet face challenges in improving spectral resolution as device dimensions shrink.