NIR Spectroscopy Breakthrough: Smartphone Module Reveals ‘Invisible’ Health Biomarkers

trinamiX develops the world’s first consumer spectroscopy module for smartphones together with LUMILEDS and VIAVI to realize tailor-made solutions. (Photo: trinamiX)

(IN BRIEF) A groundbreaking miniaturized spectroscopy module has been created through a partnership between trinamiX, LUMILEDS, and VIAVI Solutions. Designed to run on Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 reference design, the module brings near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to smartphones. This innovation enables users to visualize health biomarkers non-invasively and receive personalized recommendations via smart apps. LUMILEDS provides an ideal light source, while VIAVI Solutions offers precise filters for biomarker data extraction. The highly sensitive infrared detectors, developed by trinamiX, are compact yet robust. This collaboration opens doors for tailored solutions in wearables, IoT devices, and consumer electronics.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany/ LAS VEGAS, NV, United States/ CHANDLER, AZ, United States, 30-Nov-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — BASF SE (ETR: BAS), a European multinational company and the world’s largest chemical producer, announces that its subsidiary trinamiX, a pioneer in miniaturization of NIR spectroscopy modules, has collaborated with industry leaders LUMILEDS and VIAVI Solutions to develop a miniaturized spectroscopy module that can be seamlessly integrated into smartphones. This cutting-edge near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy module, designed to run on Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 reference design, was introduced at the 2023 Qualcomm Snapdragon Summit.

The innovative module empowers consumers to visualize previously “invisible” health indicators, known as biomarkers, and perform non-invasive checks anytime and anywhere using their mobile devices. Leveraging real molecular measurements, intelligent apps will offer personalized recommendations for skincare, nutrition, and various other applications.

trinamiX partnered with LUMILEDS to find an optimal light source, resulting in an LED that emits broadband in the long-wave near-infrared range, meeting the stringent requirements of smartphone manufacturers in terms of size, energy efficiency, longevity, and stability.

Additionally, VIAVI Solutions provides filters that enable precise determination of relevant wavelengths, extracting biomarker information from the spectrum. Their exceptional filter quality and precision contribute to the entire value chain, from prototyping to mass production.

The detector and read-out electronics were custom-developed by trinamiX for smartphone-compatible modules. These highly sensitive infrared detectors, made compact through patented encapsulation, are both robust and durable. trinamiX also contributed expertise in spectroscopy and chemometrics, driving the integration of Consumer Spectroscopy into smartphones.

Wilfried Hermes, Director Consumer Electronics North America and Europe at trinamiX GmbH, remarked, “trinamiX Consumer Spectroscopy promises to revolutionize the way we understand and evaluate our health, nutrition, and more. This would not have been possible without the expertise of LUMILEDS and VIAVI. Both partners have repeatedly pushed the boundaries of what is technically feasible. Together, we have been able to create an exciting technology that will redefine the use of smartphones.”

Noman Rangwala, Head of LED product marketing and management at Lumileds, said, “The close co-operation between trinamiX and Lumileds has made the never before possible a reality, a miniaturized spectrometer integrated in a smartphone. The many applications this innovation enables in consumer medical applications are truly impactful. We are excited to be part of this innovative team.”

Adam Scheer, Vice President, Product Management of the Optical Security and Performance Products group of VIAVI Solutions, added, “VIAVI is proud to be part of a team of industry-leading ecosystem partners working collaboratively to put spectroscopy into consumers hands. Over the past decade, we have developed unique capabilities to develop and manufacture optical filters with superior performance characteristics at smartphone scale leveraging our proprietary magnetron sputter coating platforms. We are looking forward to seeing all the consumer spectroscopy applications that the trinamiX solution can enable.”

The collaboration between these partners enables tailor-made solutions for diverse applications, making it ideal for wearables, IoT devices, and various household and consumer electronics.

Learn more about trinamiX Consumer Spectroscopy at Consumer Spectroscopy / trinamiX (trinamixsensing.com)

About trinamiX GmbH

trinamiX GmbH develops cutting-edge biometric and mobile NIR spectroscopy solutions, which are used in both consumer electronics and industrial designs. The company’s products enable humans and machines to better capture data with the goal of understanding the world around us. This results in improved decision making as well as stronger biometric security. trinamiX, based in Ludwigshafen (Germany), was founded in 2015 as a wholly owned subsidiary of BASF SE. The company employs over 240 people worldwide and holds more than 600 patents and patent applications. Learn more about trinamiX at www.trinamiXsensing.com.

About LUMILEDS

Lumileds is a global leader in OEM and aftermarket automotive lighting and accessories, camera flash for mobile devices, MicroLED, and light sources for general illumination, horticulture, and human-centric lighting. Our approximately 6,000 employees operate in over 30 countries and partner with our customers to deliver never before possible solutions for lighting, safety, and well-being. To learn more about our company and solution portfolios, please visit lumileds.com.

About VIAVI

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications. In 2023, we celebrate over 100 years of Network Transformation and Optical Innovation. Learn more about VIAVI at www.viavisolutions.com. Follow us on VIAVI Perspectives, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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Media contact:

Ines Kuehn
Phone: +49 173 3478340
E-mail: ines.kuehn@trinamix.de

Nicole Messmer-Pohan
Phone: +49 172 7470483
E-mail: nicole.messmer-pohan@trinamix.de

SOURCE: BASF SE