Environment
Living environment
Citizen science

The iSPEX ® Smartphone Spectrometer and Polarimeter is a cost-effective and versatile solution for monitoring water and air quality, as well as engaging in a wide array of STEM activities and experiments. 

Compatible with recent smartphones, the iSPEX  device empowers users to collect and scrutinize data with precision and ease. 

Ideal for citizen science initiatives, in-depth environmental studies, and even recreational exploration, iSPEX simplifies the data collection process without compromising on quality. Moreover, our state-of-the-art app and platform enable efficient data analysis and promote seamless sharing of results with relevant parties, enhancing the overall user experience.  iSPEX is currently being validated with leading research groups. 

Water quality:

Particles such as algae, minerals and detritus, as well as dissolved substances, colour the water by absorbing and scattering sunlight. By measuring the reflected light, iSPEX can be used to determine colour properties that relate to biogeochemical water quality. Combined with other information from water samples this information can be used to monitor water quality of rivers, lakes, or oceans, and to identify sources of pollution. Spectro(polari)metry is uniquely suitable to combine with satellite observations of water quality and should be considered in cases where additional local-scale water colour information can help monitor and protect the world's water resources.

Instructional videos

iSPEX Assembly

Positioning the iSPEX unit

Example water measurement protocol (Hydrocolor alike)


Citizen Science with iSPEX

iSPEX (1) was used with over 10.000 citizens to generate a high precision map of air polllution. We have more than ten years experience in citizen science projects. iSPEX 2 will be suitable for large scale citizen science campaigns. Think of satellite validation or environmental monitoring. 

Past campaigns: water and atmosphere

Measuring water reflectance with iSPEX during the MONOCLE field campaign.

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Relevant papers and articles:

Standardized spectral and radiometric calibration of consumer cameras. Burggraaff O. et al. Optics Express, Vol 27, Issue 14, 2019.
A universal smartphone add-on for portable spectroscopy and polarimetry: iSPEX 2. Burggraaff O. et al. Proc. SPIE 11389, Micro- and Nanotechnology Sensors, Systems, and Applications XII, 2020.

Ispex 1
Ispex 2
Ispex 3

Publications (1)

A universal smartphone add-on for portable spectroscopy and polarimetry: iSPEX 2

Olivier Burggraaff, Armand B. Perduijn, Robert F. van Hek, Norbert Schmidt, Christoph U. Keller, Frans Snik