This technology relates to highly sensitive and large area optical sensor arrays with smart control that feature wireless operation. The optical sensors convert sensed illumination into a corresponding impedance (e.g., capacitance, inductance, etc.). The resulting impedance can then be easily integrated into a wireless signal generator (e.g., an LC or tank circuit), such that a characteristic of the illumination (e.g., intensity, wavelength, etc.) can be translated into a wireless output.