The i-LAB(R) technology is based on light emissions from LEDs, controlled to form a uniform white light.  The light waves pass through a liquid sample and reflect back, or reflect directly back from a solid sample, and unto a linear variable filter attached to a multiple diode array.  In this sensor, the signals are "binned" or separated into their proper wavelengths and transformed from analog to digital signals.  A spectrum is recorded and automatically saved.  The spectrum data can then be calculated into other meaningful information, such as L*, a*, b*, and delta E; RGB data, concentration using a previous Beer's Law calculation, area under a curve, peak maximum, peak ratios, spectra matching, etc.

The newest technology is the LITE meter, which does not use LEDs as a light source, but rather uses external light (sunlight, artificial lighting, or LEDs) and quantitates the light waves over the visible region.

Two main wavelength regions, the visible (400 nm to 700 nm) and the NIR (650 nm to 1050 nm) are currently being used with the i-LAB technology.  The NIR unit is currently in Beta testing, while the visible i-LAB and LITE meter are commercially available.