Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 22, 2026

A Rapid and Chemical-free Hemoglobin Assay with Photothermal Angular Light Scattering
Published on: December 7, 2016
Smartphone based optical spectrometer for diffusive reflectance spectroscopic measurement of hemoglobin
Perry Edwards1, Chenji Zhang2, Baigang Zhang1
1Atoptix, Inc., 200 Innovation Blvd., Suite, 234-1, 16803, State College, PA, USA.
Abstract:
We report a miniature, visible to near infrared G-Fresnel spectrometer that contains a complete spectrograph system, including the detection hardware and connects with a smartphone through a microUSB port for operational control. The smartphone spectrometer is able to achieve a resolution of ~5 nm in a wavelength range from 400 nm to 1000 nm. We further developed a diffuse reflectance spectroscopy system using the smartphone spectrometer and demonstrated the capability of hemoglobin measurement. Proof of concept studies of tissue phantoms yielded a mean error of 9.2% on hemoglobin concentration measurement, comparable to that obtained with a commercial benchtop spectrometer. The smartphone G-Fresnel spectrometer and the diffuse reflectance spectroscopy system can potentially enable new point-of-care opportunities, such as cancer screening.
Related Concept Videos
UV–Vis Spectrometers
Spectrophotometry: Introduction
The essential components of a spectrophotometer include a source of electromagnetic radiation, a slot for placing a material to be analyzed, and a...
IR Spectrometers
Raman Spectroscopy Instrumentation: Overview
The monochromatic laser source, typically using visible or near-infrared radiation, generates a highly focused beam of light. This light interacts with the molecules of the sample, scattering some of the light. Liquid and gaseous samples are usually tested in ordinary glass capillaries, while solids can be analyzed as powders packed in capillaries or as potassium...

