| abstract |
An improved microchip spectrophotometer device ( 101 ) having a wavelength-sensitive light detector sensor ( 155 ) located on a microchip ( 241 ) that detects returning broadband light ( 128 ) that is narrow-spectrum wavelength filtered by gratings or filtered, such as through an optical collection window ( 141 ) on the sensor ( 155 ). Optionally, at least a portion of the returning broadband light was produced by one or more solid-state light sources ( 103, 103 A, 103 B) incorporated into the microchip device. Multispectral spectroscopic data from the detector is optionally transmitted such as by wire ( 161 ), then analyzed by a processor such as a difference unit ( 167 ), located on the same microchip or on a processing microchip. Systems incorporating the improved microchip spectrometer, and methods of use are also disclosed. |