Multi-wavelength optical sensor for jaundice detection via absorbance difference spectroscopy
Abstract
We demonstrate a low-cost optical sensor for neonatal jaundice detection using 470 nm (bilirubin-sensitive) and 560 nm (hemoglobin isosbestic) LEDs. The system applies absorbance difference spectroscopy to isolate bilirubin signals in skin-mimicking phantoms, achieving 387mV/mg⋅dL −1 sensitivity and 13.5% error versus spectrophotometry. Optical characterization confirms 470 nm penetration depth (≈0.65mm) in neonatal dermis. A machine learning classifier predicts risk severity with 99.5% accuracy. Comparative analysis shows a superior cost-performance trade-off versus reflectance-based devices. This work enables accessible hyperbilirubinemia monitoring through optimized wavelength selection and transmission-mode detection.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Neonatal Health and Biochemistry
Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy Techniques
Non-Invasive Vital Sign Monitoring
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Applied Optics
- Volume
- 65
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 1242–1242
- Publication date
- 12 January 2026
- Language
- EN