Abstract: A multimodal and modular optical apparatus is provided for acquiring optical data and generating at least one parameter for characterization of a material sample. A principal system includes a main body defining a sample receiving space and at least one cartridge-receiving space, at least one cartridge being sized and shaped for reversible insertion in one cartridge-receiving space, a cartridge connector configured to communicate the optical data, and a control and processing unit being in data communication with the at least one cartridge via the cartridge connector to receive the optical data. The apparatus can further include at least one module being operatively connected to the main body and being in data communication with the control and processing unit of the principal system. A method to characterize a material sample based on optical data acquired by an apparatus having at least one optical measurement modality is further provided.