An electromagnetic radiation detection device is described which includes a tunable dispersive optical element configured to receive electromagnetic radiation and to change the dispersion of the received electromagnetic radiation; a sensor configured to detect the dispersed electromagnetic radiation changed by the dispersive optical element; and a controller configured to: (i) selectively tune the dispersive optical element so as to adjust the dispersion of the received electromagnetic radiation; and (ii) change one or more of operating parameters of the sensor in accordance with the adjusted dispersion. In some implementations, the radiation detection device may be configured as a spectrometer to measure one or more properties of electromagnetic radiation. A method for detecting electromagnetic radiation is also disclosed.