SkinSpex: A Portable Speckle Imaging Prototype for Multiple Skin Biomarker Detection

Sheraz Hassan, Kefan Song, Alexander T Adams

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Keywords: Laser Speckle Imaging, Optical Biosensing, Non-contact monitoring

TL;DR: We introduce SkinSpex, a compact and affordable laser speckle imaging device which is capable of non-contact, multi-biomarker monitoring of skin

Abstract: Laser speckle imaging is a powerful but underutilized optical technique, capable of capturing a range of physiological biomarkers, including heart rate, respiration, skin perfusion, hydration, and subtle structural changes in skin such as piloerection. Despite its proven efficacy in controlled settings, Laser speckle imaging is rarely found in wearable or point-of-care devices, which typically monitor only basic vital signs. To address this gap, we introduce \textbf{SkinSpex}: a compact, affordable device based on a Raspberry Pi Zero 2, integrating a multi-wavelength (560, 750, and 930 nm) laser system for flexible, non-contact speckle imaging. SkinSpex enables mapping of both hemodynamic and topographical skin features from a distance of just 10 cm, opening the door to multi-biomarker monitoring in everyday environments. Such comprehensive monitoring is especially relevant for detecting acute physiological states, including the sudden onset of opioid withdrawal, where changes in heart rate, breathing, and skin structure may occur simultaneously but are often missed by conventional wearables. By directly capturing both surface and subsurface skin dynamics, SkinSpex can provide a more complete view of physiological state, enabling earlier and more reliable detection of significant events. Our results show the unique capabilities of this compact prototype and suggest that SkinSpex could enable a new generation of wearable platforms for continuous, comprehensive health assessment across a variety of clinical and real-world settings.

Track: 7. Contact-less solutions for human sensing

NominateReviewer: Kefan Song ([e-mail])

Submission Number: 123