Advances in the application of optical sensors in Smart Dust technology for environmental monitoring

This article reviews current advances and key challenges in integrating optical sensors into Smart Dust technology for environmental monitoring. The principles and advantages of optical sensors are analyzed, alongside their vulnerability to external influences and high-power consumption. Special attention is paid to issues of miniaturization, autonomy, and the organization of energy-efficient communications between sensor nodes in harsh environments. The paper describes operational scenarios for Smart Dust systems, including passive and active optical communication, as well as approaches to reducing energy consumption and increasing resilience to environmental factors. Prospects for technology development are discussed, including improvements in MEMS components, new data processing methods, and the implementation of multisensor networks to enhance the effectiveness of environmental monitoring.