Handheld four-dimensional optical sensor

Spectral and imaging systems enable retrieval of the molecular and surface profile information of objects of interest. Camera has become an indispensable device in everyday life to capture images for surface profile investigation. However up to now, spectral data are still neglected even though we receive this information most of the time. In this work, we developed a handheld four-dimensional optical sensor by combining a lightweight imaging spectrometer and a binocular camera. Based on this compact system, we can acquire spatial images, depth information and spectral data simultaneously. This technology can be applied to any kind of image capture equipment. It can be used to remotely and quickly collect spectral information and spatial images synchronously and has important value for object classification.