Compact and ultracompact spectral imagers: technology and applications in biomedical imaging

SIGNIFICANCE: Spectral imaging, which includes hyperspectral and multispectral imaging, can provide images in numerous wavelength bands within and beyond the visible light spectrum. Emerging technologies that enable compact, portable spectral imaging cameras can facilitate new applications in biomedical imaging. AIM: With this review paper, researchers will (1) understand the technological trends of upcoming spectral cameras, (2) understand new specific applications that portable spectral imaging unlocked, and (3) evaluate proper spectral imaging systems for their specific applications. APPROACH: We performed a comprehensive literature review in three databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science). We included only fully realized systems with definable dimensions. To best accommodate many different definitions of “compact,” we included a table of dimensions and weights for systems that met our definition. RESULTS: There is a wide variety of contributions from industry, academic, and hobbyist spaces. A variety of new engineering approaches, such as Fabry–Perot interferometers, spectrally resolved detector array (mosaic array), microelectro-mechanical systems, 3D printing, light-emitting diodes, and smartphones, were used in the construction of compact spectral imaging cameras. In bioimaging applications, these compact devices were used for in vivo and ex vivo diagnosis and surgical settings. CONCLUSIONS: Compact and ultracompact spectral imagers are the future of spectral imaging systems. Researchers in the bioimaging fields are building systems that are low-cost, fast in acquisition time, and mobile enough to be handheld.