Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) have unveiled the world’s first miniaturized ultraviolet (UV) spectral imaging chip. Under the direction of Professor Haiding Sun, the talented team featured key contributors like Dr. Muhammad Hunain Memon and Huabin Yu. Their innovative research was published online in Nature Photonics on September 26th, 2025. It demonstrates a disruptive new method of spectral imaging that promises to reduce the cost of production by orders of magnitude over traditional spectrometers.
The new chip can work over a wavelength range of 250 to 365 nanometers. It has an extraordinary resolution of around 0.62 nanometers. This unique combination of features represents a breakthrough in imaging technology, especially for applications that demand high-resolution spectral content. The team focused on their most surprising discovery in a comprehensive figure featured in the publication. This figure highlights this chip’s remarkably high dynamic range and qualitatively excellent imaging performance.
Advanced Technology Behind the Chip
The UV spectral imaging chip uses an unusual device structure of two vertically stacked asymmetric p–n diodes. These diodes are realized on a 2-inch wafer, maximizing size and operating capability at the same time. Fullscreen If each pixel on the chip captures these wavelength-dependent photocurrent signals, this provides the opportunity to generate a full three-dimensional dataset. This sophisticated technology allows for spatially resolved, single-shot imaging of various organic liquid droplets, including olive oil, peanut oil, animal fat, and milk.
This chip has one of the best response times, 10 nanoseconds and less. Therefore, it makes it the most highspeed miniaturized spectrometer so far reported. This fast response feature is essential for the applications needing real-time analysis and scanning/tracking.
Economic Implications and Future Potential
The multidisciplinary research team envisions a 10x reduction in production costs for the UV spectral imaging chip. They imagine that costs might eventually drop to as low as just one-hundredth the current cost of traditional spectrometers. This dramatic decrease in cost can democratize access to a world class spectral imaging technology. As a result, it will be powerful enough to be used for many more applications—including environmental monitoring, food safety testing and even medical diagnostics.
Professor Haiding Sun, a key collaborator on the project said this technology could revolutionize industries that depend on accurate spectral analysis. Developing a small, affordable, high-performance spectrometer will greatly stimulate progress in many areas of research. This new innovation could help scale technology development in every discipline.
Contributions from USTC Researchers
Dr. Muhammad Hunain Memon is a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Microelectronics, USTC. Outside of Federal Transit Administration funding formulas, he was instrumental in the creation of this innovative chip. His profound knowledge and experience in microelectronics and spectroscopy played a crucial role in the project’s success. Alongside Huabin Yu and other members of the research team, Memon’s work exemplifies the cutting-edge research being conducted at USTC.
This collaborative effort, led by Professor Haiding Sun, serves as a reminder that teamwork is essential in scientific research. As the sole corresponding author, Sun has guided the project from its inception through to publication, ensuring that the team’s findings reached a global audience.