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Field Identification of Matricaria chamomilla using a Portable qPCR System

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Portable Spectroscopy.

Richard A Crocombe¹

¹Crocombe Spectroscopic Consulting, Winchester, MA, USA.

Applied Spectroscopy

|October 19, 2018

Summary

Portable spectroscopy instruments are becoming smaller, cheaper, and more accessible. This review covers emerging technologies, applications, and future trends like the Internet of Things (IoT).

Keywords:

FT-IR Fourier transform infrared LIBS NIR Portable Raman UV–Vis X-ray fluorescence XRF algorithms calibrations field instrumentation handheld homogeneous and heterogeneous samples hyperspectral imaging laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy mid-infrared miniature near-infrared on-site analysis point of care point-of need spectroscopy portable clinical analysis smartphone spectrometers spectral libraries and databases ultraviolet--visible

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Area of Science:

Analytical Chemistry
Spectroscopy
Instrument Development

Background:

Handheld spectrometers were historically limited to major companies for specialized analysis (e.g., X-ray fluorescence for elemental, Raman/NIR for molecular).
Recent advancements include handheld laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), smartphone spectroscopy for diagnostics, and portable hyperspectral imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current portable spectroscopy technologies and their applications.
To discuss how instruments provide actionable answers for non-scientist users.
To explore future trends including the Internet of Things (IoT) integration.

Main Methods:

Review of emerging handheld spectroscopic techniques (LIBS, smartphone, hyperspectral imaging).
Analysis of instrument design focusing on user-friendliness for non-scientists.
Discussion of qualitative and quantitative applications and calibration strategies.

Main Results:

Significant diversification in handheld spectroscopy with new technologies and lower costs.
Development of reliable algorithms, libraries, and calibrations for user accessibility.
Emergence of spectroscopic 'engines' for integration into consumer devices and IoT.

Conclusions:

Portable spectroscopy is rapidly evolving, democratizing analytical capabilities.
Future directions include enhanced IoT integration, hyphenated techniques, and hyperspectral imaging.
Consideration of data crowdsourcing challenges, especially for heterogeneous samples, is necessary.