Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed the world's smallest spectrometer, which is compact enough to fit on smartphones and could even be miniaturized to the size of a pixel.

This innovative spectrometer utilizes a voltage-tunable photodetector that adjusts its sensitivity to different light wavelengths, enabling it to measure light across the ultraviolet to near-infrared spectrum.

The device captures light signatures in less than a millisecond, operating efficiently at low voltage, which enhances its potential for miniaturization.

Unlike previous miniaturized designs, this new spectrometer overcomes limitations by being both quick and sensitive, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

The spectrometer's ability to analyze material interactions with light is crucial for fields such as medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and manufacturing quality control.

The researchers aim to bring this technology to the consumer market, making spectroscopy accessible for both research and commercial use, particularly in imaging and microscopic applications.

Professor Brendan O'Connor highlights the significance of spectrometers in understanding material properties through light interaction, emphasizing their broad applications.

The study detailing this breakthrough, titled 'Single pixel spectrometer based on a bias-tunable tandem organic photodetector', has been published in the journal Device.

In laboratory tests, the miniaturized spectrometer demonstrated accuracy and sensitivity comparable to conventional models and commercial photodetection devices.

The reconstruction of the light spectrum occurs without the need for complex optics or high-voltage inputs, further enhancing the device's miniaturization potential.

This new technology paves the way for the development of hand-held devices, representing a significant advancement in next-generation imaging spectrometers.

The study involved contributions from several NC State researchers, including former Ph.D. students and prominent professors in materials science and electrical engineering.