Portable spectrometers: what they are, types, applications

Portable spectrometers are compact analytical devices designed for fast and accurate measurement of substance characteristics based on their spectral properties. They are widely used in field and laboratory conditions due to their mobility, high sensitivity, and versatility. Unlike stationary systems, such devices provide rapid analysis without the need to transport samples to specialized laboratories.

Principle of operation and design features

Spectrometry is based on measuring the intensity of light reflected, transmitted, or emitted by a sample in a specific wavelength range. The results of such analysis allow determining the composition of a substance, the presence of impurities, and the concentration of elements. Portable devices include a light source, an optical system, a dispersing element, and a photodetector. Modern models are often integrated with computers or mobile devices for rapid data processing and visualization.

The compactness of spectrometers is due to the miniaturization of optical components and the use of energy-efficient technologies. Some models are equipped with wireless interfaces, which simplifies their use outside the laboratory. They can also be equipped with interchangeable modules that allow the device to be adapted to specific tasks.

Types of portable spectrometers

There are various types of portable spectrometers, differing in spectral range, analysis method, and intended use. Each type is adapted to specific tasks, from food quality control to geochemical research.

• Optical (UV-Vis, NIR) — analyze light in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared ranges.
• Raman spectrometers — determine the structure of a substance by light scattering, effective for analyzing solids and liquids.
• Fluorescence — detects the emission of a substance after excitation by a light source, used in biochemistry and medicine.
• X-ray fluorescence — used to analyze the elemental composition, especially of metals and minerals.
• Mass spectrometers — less common in portable versions, but used to detect gases and volatile compounds.

The choice of the appropriate type depends on the specifics of the measurements and the requirements for accuracy and sensitivity. Some universal models can combine several analysis methods at once.

Areas of application

Portable spectrometers are used in a wide variety of scientific and industrial fields. Their main advantages are their speed, the ability to perform on-site analysis, and the absence of the need for complex sample preparation. This makes them particularly useful in field conditions, for quality control, and in situations requiring urgent response.

• Product quality control (analysis of raw materials and finished products for compliance with standards).
• Environmental monitoring (determination of pollutants in air, water, and soil).
• Archaeology and art history (non-destructive analysis of materials and pigments).
• Medicine and pharmaceuticals (control of drug composition and diagnosis of biological fluids).
• Geology and mining (determination of the composition of rocks and ores directly at the deposit).
• Security and forensics (rapid analysis of suspicious substances and materials at crime scenes).

High measurement accuracy and versatility allow portable spectrometers to be used in both scientific research and applied tasks. They are also used for educational purposes to teach students spectral analysis methods.

Advantages and limitations

Despite their wide range of capabilities, portable spectrometers have both strengths and weaknesses. Their selection requires consideration of the specifics of the task, operating conditions, and requirements for the analysis results. Advantages of portable devices:

• Compact size and light weight: allow the device to be used in hard-to-reach places.
• Quick preparation for operation: does not require complex setup and calibration.
• Autonomy: battery-powered, often equipped with built-in memory and wireless interfaces.

The disadvantages of portable spectrometers include:

• Limited sensitivity: inferior to laboratory counterparts in terms of accuracy when analyzing complex mixtures.
• Limited spectral range: each model is adapted to specific wavelength ranges.

Thus, portable spectrometers are a convenient tool for rapid analysis, especially in field and industrial conditions. However, for more complex studies, it is preferable to use stationary laboratory equipment.