Work

Mid-Infrared Spectrometer for Black Plastics Sorting Using a Broadband Uncooled Micro-Bolometer Array

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We report the design, implementation and test of a Mid-Infrared spectrometer proof-of-concept that utilizes an uncooled micro-bolometer array, sensitive in the 3–14 µm spectral range, integrated in a conventional optical dispersive spectrometry setup. Such a spectrometer enables instantaneous measurements across this broad spectral range, comparable to that of a FTIR but with a more compact design and without moving parts. This makes it ideal for integration into portable, battery-powered devices such as handheld scanners. The Mid-IR range offers significant advantages over NIR-SWIR spectrometers, especially for organic compound analysis. A notable application for this instrument: plastic waste sorting—including black plastics—was tested with significant accuracy and effectiveness of plastic classification (on PP, PET and PE samples) with a very simple machine learning algorithm.

Source: Spectroscopy Journal

DOI: 10.3390/spectroscj3020013

Authors: Gabriel Jobert, Xavier Brenière

Language: English

Topic: Spectroscopy and Chemometric Analyses

Subfield: Analytical Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207

Funders: Key Digital Technologies Joint Undertaking, European Commission, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme

Awards: Breakthrough in micro-bolometer imaging, G7178824331