Mid-infrared spectroscopy is often used to identify material. Thousands of spectral points are measured in a time-consuming process using expensive table-top instrument. However, material identification is a sparse problem, which in theory could be solved with just a few measurements. Here we exploit the sparsity of the problem and develop an ultra-fast, portable, and inexpensive method to identify materials. In a single-shot, a mid-infrared camera can identify materials based on their spectroscopic signatures. This method does not require prior calibration, making it robust and versatile in handling a broad range of materials.

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Yurui Qu, Qingyi Zhou, Jin Xiang, and Zongfu Yu, "Sparsity for ultrafast material identification," Proc. SPIE 12516, Next-Generation Spectroscopic Technologies XV, 1251605 (Presented at SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing: May 01, 2023; Published: 15 June 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2660145.6328917328112.