Belgian Spectrometer Detection

Belgium is actively advancing spectrometer detection through airborne hyperspectral instruments, miniaturized sensors, and mass spectrometry research.

Airborne and Spaceborne Spectrometry

The APEX (Airborne Prism EXperiment) is a Belgian-Swiss airborne imaging spectrometer operated by VITO since 2010. It captures hyperspectral data across approximately 300 contiguous spectral bands in the 400–2500 nm wavelength range, with a spatial resolution of 2–5 meters. APEX enables precise identification of surface materials, surpassing traditional multispectral sensors, and serves as a simulator and calibration tool for future spaceborne hyperspectral imagers. It is widely used in Belgian BELAIR sites and supports annual flight campaigns to foster imaging spectroscopy expertise in Belgium .

Miniaturized Hyperspectral Sensors

Spectricity, a Belgian spin-off from imec founded in 2018, develops miniaturized hyperspectral sensors that compress laboratory spectrometer capabilities into chip-scale devices suitable for smartphones and drones. These sensors capture dozens of spectral bands in the visible and near-infrared ranges, enabling detection of material and biological signatures that standard RGB cameras cannot. Applications include dermatology, food safety, environmental monitoring, and defense, such as detecting camouflage or hazardous substances. Spectricity's technology emphasizes CMOS integration, small form factor, and scalability, supporting both civilian and defense applications while anchoring European technological sovereignty .

Mass Spectrometry in Belgium

The Belgian Society for Mass Spectrometry (BSMS), founded in 1996, provides a forum for professionals involved in mass spectrometry. It organizes annual scientific meetings, promotes collaboration, and represents Belgian members in European and international mass spectrometry societies. BSMS activities cover both fundamental and applied mass spectrometry, supporting research, industrial applications, and networking among practitioners .

Laboratory and Chemical Spectroscopy

Belgium also hosts companies like Kaplan Scientific, which provide advanced laboratory spectrometers, including FT-IR, Raman, and QCL-based imaging systems. These instruments are used for high-precision chemical analysis, rapid material identification, and nanoscale spectroscopy, supporting applications in pharmaceuticals, biological tissues, and materials science .

Summary

Belgium's spectrometer detection landscape spans airborne hyperspectral imaging (APEX), miniaturized hyperspectral sensors (Spectricity), and mass spectrometry research (BSMS). These technologies enable precise material identification, environmental monitoring, biomedical applications, and defense-related detection, positioning Belgium as a key contributor to both scientific and applied spectrometry innovation.