PORTABLE SPECTROMETER

A portable spectrometer device includes an illumination source for directing light at a sample, and a tapered light pipe (TLP) for capturing light at a second focal ratio lower than the first focal ratio. A linearly variable filter (LVF) separates the captured light into a spectrum of constituent wavelengths signal; and a detector array, including a plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of pixels disposed to receive at least a portion of a plurality of the constituent wavelength signals provided a power reading for each constituent wavelength. Preferably, the TLP is lensed at one end, and recessed in a protective boot with stepped inner walls. The gap between the TLP and LVF is minimized to further enhance resolution and robustness.