Introduction
This post is a synopsis of low-cost visible (VIS) to near infra-ref (NIR) spectral sensors that could potentially be adopted for use in the xspectrolum+ spectrometer. The sensors are categorised based on the underlying technologies:
- filter
- grating
- MEMS-FPI (micro-electromechanical systems - Fabry Perot Interferometer)
Filter based spectral sensors
Filter based sensors are produced by a range of companies, but with a majority focusing on Mid infra-red (MIR) sensors, starting from around 2500 nm. This synopsis is, however, restricted to VIS-NIR spectral sensors, of which there are fewer producers. Only two producers are included in the synopsis:
| Brand | Model | bands | low range | high range |
| AMS | AS7262 | 6 | 430 | 670 |
| AMS | AS7263 | 6 | 600 | 870 |
| AMS | AS7341 | 11 | 350 | 1000 |
| AMS | AS7343 | 14 | 380 | 1000 |
| AMS | AS7421 | 64 | 750 | 1050 |
| MS | ChipSense | 16 | 850 | 1700 |
Grating based spectral sensors
Only Hamamatsu produces miniature spectral sensors using optical setup and gratings.
| Brand | Model | bands | low range | high range |
| Hamamatsu | C12666MA | 256 | 340 | 780 |
| Hamamatsu | C12880MA | 288 | 340 | 850 |
| Hamamatsu | C14384MA-01 | 192 | 640 | 1050 |
MEMS-FPI
Only Hamamatsu produces miniature spectral sensors using optical setup and gratings.
| Brand | Model | bands | low range | high range |
| Hamamatsu | C14272 | 30 | 1350 | 1650 |
| Hamamatsu | C13272-03 | 30 | 1550 | 1850 |
| Hamamatsu | C14273 | 30 | 1750 | 2150 |