Handheld Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: State-of-the-Art Instrumentation and Applications in Material Identification, Food Authentication, and Environmental Investigations

This present review article considers the rapid development of miniaturized handheld near-infrared spectrometers over the last decade and provides an overview of current instrumental developments and exemplary applications in the fields of material and food control as well as environmentally relevant investigations. Care is taken, however, not to fall into the exaggerated and sometimes unrealistic narrative of some direct-to-consumer companies, which has raised unrealistic expectations with full-bodied promises but has harmed the very valuable technology of NIR spectroscopy, rather than promoting its further development. Special attention will also be paid to possible applications that will allow a clientele that is not necessarily scientifically trained to solve quality control and authentication problems with this technology in everyday life.

Automated summary

This review article summarizes the rapid development of miniaturized handheld near-infrared spectrometers in the past decade, providing an overview of the current instrument developments and exemplary applications in material and food control, as well as environmental investigations. It addresses the issue of exaggerated claims by some direct-to-consumer companies, which has raised unrealistic expectations and harmed the valuable technology of NIR spectroscopy. The article also highlights potential applications that can enable non-scientifically trained individuals to solve quality control and authentication problems in everyday life using this technology.