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Title: New Active Hyperspectral System From Ohio State University Researchers Enables Precise Spectral Sensing in Complete Darkness

Columbus, United States, 17th Oct 2025 - A study in the journal Sensors unveils an affordable and efficient system that captures high-fidelity spectral data in low-light and underground environments, opening new possibilities for geology, agriculture, and manufacturing.A research team from The Ohio State University has developed an active hyperspectral imaging system capable of capturing precise spectral data in the complete absence of light. The design, constructed from low-cost commercial components, presents an accessible and efficient alternative to traditional technologies.The breakthrough, detailed in the peer-reviewed journal Sensors, introduces a compact and energy-efficient prototype poised to transform material analysis in environments previously considered inaccessible for high-fidelity spectral sensing.Traditional hyperspectral imaging systems identify materials by analyzing their special spectral "fingerprints" across hundreds of wavelength bands. However, these passive systems are fundamentally dependent on ambient light and often require costly, complex optical components, restricting their use in dark or confined settings such as underground tunnels, mines, or even for quality control in dimly lit industrial facilities.The Ohio State team’s special approach overcomes these limitations by replacing passive detection with a programmable array of 76 single-wavelength LEDs synchronized with a full-spectrum camera. This active illumination method allows the system to generate its own light source, ensuring high-quality spectral data acquisition regardless of external lighting conditions.“Our goal was to make hyperspectral imaging more efficient, accessible, and usable in real-world settings — not just in laboratories,” said Dr. Rongjun Qin, a professor in the...

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