PyrOptik Instruments, a spin-out company from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Sheffield, has launched ChromaMapper, a handheld hyperspectral imaging camera designed to make spectral analysis more accessible to researchers and enable working outside traditional laboratory environments.
Hyperspectral imaging has historically been constrained by the size, cost, and fragility of conventional systems, limiting its use in field-based research. ChromaMapper addresses these challenges by combining compact hyperspectral optics with smartphone-based processing, enabling portable, calibrated visible–near-infrared imaging at a significantly lower cost than traditional platforms.
The system provides sensitivity across the visible to near-infrared range (400–950 nm) with approximately 10 nm spectral resolution, supporting near real-time image preview and rapid data capture in field and laboratory settings. By utilising the processing power and connectivity of modern smartphones, the system reduces hardware complexity while retaining precision measurement capability.
ChromaMapper has already been deployed in a range of research projects, including agricultural disease diagnostics, environmental monitoring, cultural heritage analysis, and underwater assessment of seagrass health, demonstrating its versatility across scientific disciplines.
"PyrOptik's founding ethos was to address unmet measurement challenges by developing new metrology tools, and with ChromaMapper, we have put high-quality, portable hyperspectral imaging straight into researchers' hands.”
Iain Scott, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of PyrOptik Instruments.
Designed for portability and ease of use, ChromaMapper integrates high-precision hyperspectral optics with smartphone-based data handling, enabling convenient file transfer, embedded GPS metadata for mapping applications, access to scientific software tools, and straightforward sharing of results.
Key features of ChromaMapper include:
- Visible to near-infrared spectral sensitivity (400–950 nm) at approximately 10 nm resolution
- Near real-time hyperspectral image preview
- Portable, lightweight design with a sub-£5,000 price point
ChromaMapper is available for order now. PyrOptik Instruments is inviting research groups and principal investigators to request demonstrations of the system.
About PyrOptik Instruments
PyrOptik Instruments is a UK-based spin-out developing affordable hyperspectral imaging systems for research and applied science. Founded by researchers from the University of Sheffield, PyrOptik is seeking reference sites and research partners to expand its hyperspectral imaging applications.
For more information or to arrange a demo, please visit: https://pyroptik.com/contact/