acquireSpectrum

AcquireSpectrum is a software function or experimental procedure used to capture spectral data from a sensor or instrument. It returns a spectrum that represents light intensity as a function of wavelength (or frequency) across a specified range. The term is used across spectrometry, hyperspectral imaging, and remote sensing.

In practice, acquiring a spectrum involves configuring instrument parameters such as integration time or exposure, averaging, detector gain, and the spectral range; initiating a data collection sequence; and retrieving raw detector data, then converting it to physical units using the instrument’s dispersion and calibration data. The process may include synchronization with other channels, background measurements, and multiple scans to improve signal-to-noise ratio.

The result is typically a one-dimensional spectrum with a corresponding wavelength (or wavenumber) axis, plus metadata like timestamp, instrument settings, and calibration coefficients. Data may be stored in formats such as CSV, FITS, HDF5, or proprietary files, and may include a wavelength calibration curve or reference spectrum. Some implementations return a structured object containing both the spectral vector and its axis, along with auxiliary fields.

Calibration and processing are often required for accurate results. Dark current subtraction, flat-field correction, and wavelength calibration using known reference lines are common steps, followed by radiometric calibration to convert counts into physical units such as reflectance, radiance, or absorbance.

Applications include chemical analysis, material identification, environmental monitoring, astronomy, and manufacturing quality control. The exact capabilities of acquireSpectrum depend on the instrument and software platform, including its wavelength range, resolution, and data formats.