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Small spectroscopic sensor looks at skin

Feb. 1, 2002

Biometric identification or verification of an individual requires a close look at and analysis of one or more unique body characteristics. These can include fingerprints, the pattern of an iris, or the geometry of a face.

In this artist's rendition, a small biometric device containing a light-emitting-diode array and a photodetector senses skin properties. Aided by multivariate analysis of spectroscopic data, such a sensor distinguishes between human individuals. In actual use, the 16 x 16-mm sensor would contact the skin area to be sensed. (Photo courtesy of Lumidigm)Click here to enlarge image

The technology behind the sensor was discovered serendipitously during collaboration between Johnson & Johnson (New Brunswick, NJ) and InLight Solutions Inc. (Albuquerque, NM) aimed at developing a noninvasive optical technique for measuring glucose levels in the living human body. The technique combined spectroscopic measurements of tissue with mathematical analysis. The researchers discovered that, as a result of individual differences in skin makeup, each person has a unique characteristic spectrum. The finding spurred the formation of Lumidigm Inc. (Albuquerque, NM), which will exploit the technology specifically for biometrics.

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