Spectrometers in Wonderland: Shrinking, Shrinking, Shrinking

This article gives a brief overview of the major portable techniques: those based on optical spectroscopy techniques, including near-infrared (NIR), mid-infrared (mid-IR), and Raman spectroscopy; mass spectrometry (MS) systems, including high-pressure MS (HPMS), gas chromatography–MS (GC–MS), ion mobility spectrometry (IMS); elemental techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS); and emerging miniaturized techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The above are all “conventional” spectroscopic techniques and reduced to a rugged portable format, containing self-contained data systems. They provide specific and actionable information to their operators working with them outside the laboratory—in the field—and these instruments have well-defined value propositions. A recent development is the availability of low cost (<$100) multispectral sensors operating in the visible and NIR regions. This low cost enables the sensors to be embedded into consumer products, such as smart “white goods” appliances, personal care, fitness products, and even “wearables” products. In the future, miniature and portable spectrometers will be ubiquitous—outside the laboratory, and in your home and pocket.