Portable low-cost open-source wireless spectrophotometer for fast and reliable measurements

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Instrumentation

Background:

• Spectrophotometry is crucial for quantitative analysis.
• Existing portable spectrophotometers can be expensive or lack flexibility.
• Open-source hardware offers customization and accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-cost, portable spectrophotometer.
• To enable data acquisition via smartphone or computer.
• To provide an open-source platform for replicability and customization.

Main Methods:

• Designed and assembled a portable spectrophotometer (450-750 nm, 15 nm resolution).
• Developed a smartphone application and computer interface for data display.
• Validated performance through wavelength accuracy, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio tests.
• Assessed device performance in three distinct applications.

Main Results:

• The device measures absorption in the 450-750 nm range with 15 nm resolution.
• Performance validation showed good accuracy, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio.
• Application testing determined limits of quantification and detection, with low relative standard deviations.
• The portable spectrophotometer demonstrated performance comparable to moderate to high-cost instruments.

Conclusions:

• The developed low-cost spectrophotometer provides fast, reliable measurements.
• Its open-source nature allows for easy replication and adaptation.
• The device is a viable, cost-effective alternative to expensive laboratory equipment.