Miniaturized Computational Spectrometer

Miniaturized computational spectrometers are opto-electronic instruments that can measure the intensity of light as a function of its wavelength, providing valuable information for applications such as material analysis, environmental monitoring, and medical diagnostics. In recent years, advances in nanotechnology, micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), and computational algorithms have allowed significant miniaturization of spectrometers, vastly reducing their footprint, weight, and cost compared with traditional benchtop instruments. Despite these advances, several challenges still remain in the development and widespread adoption of miniaturized computational spectrometers. In this article, we begin by providing an overview of the benefits and potential applications of miniaturized computational spectrometers. Following that, we delve into detailed discussion on the materials utilized and the underlying physical mechanisms at play within these devices. We then review the computational algorithms employed for spectrum reconstruction. Lastly, we attempt to shed light on the outstanding challenges faced in this field.