Integrated sensing system approach for handheld spectral measurements having a disposable sample handling apparatus

An optical spectral sensing device, for determining properties of a sample, said device comprising:

• an integrated energy source and an integrated spectral sensing detector package having a spectral sensing detector;
• a sample chamber or cell, disposed adjacent to said package, and dimensionally designed to match an active area of the spectral sensing detector;
• integrated electronics coupled to said package for providing energy for said source and for receiving a signal generated by said spectral sensing detector in response to energy coupled to said detector by said sample chamber or cell, said integrated electronics providing direct output of sample properties of said sample;
• said integrated electronics having on-board computer processing with a microcomputer or digital signal processor;
• said integrated electronics having on-board data communications including output to at least one of a visual display, communications of results to a process monitoring computer, and an option for wireless communications to a network;
• and
• a sample handling apparatus for disposable sample handling, said apparatus being releasably attached adjacent said package, said sample handling apparatus forming at least a part of said sample chamber or cell to contain said sample, said sample handling apparatus containing an optical path from said energy source to said spectral sensing detector.