Spectroscopy Ninja has launched a Kickstarter campaign to secure funding for significant upgrades to Spekwin32, their widely used spectrometry software. Developed by Friedrich Menges, Spekwin32 originated from software created during his Masters thesis work at the Universitat Konstanz in 1998. Menges enhanced the initial program, Spekwin, into a 32-bit application which became essential within his research group for spectral data processing. Since 2001, Spekwin32 has been available free of charge for academic and personal use.
The current Kickstarter campaign aims to finance a comprehensive modernization of Spekwin32, including an upgrade to 64-bit architecture, support for multiple plot windows, expanded file format compatibility, enhanced interactivity and general improvements. Successful funding would allow Menges to dedicate three months to full-time development of these updates.
Spekwin32 was designed to operate independently of specific spectrometers, manage multiple spectra, facilitate simultaneous analysis and visualization, and serve as a practical tool for users. Inspired by its speed, efficiency, versatility, reliability, and user-friendliness, Menges embraced the “Spectroscopy Ninja” identity when .ninja domains became available in 2014. He outlines the core principles of efficient software utilization on his website as “The Way of the Spectroscopy Ninja”.
Spekwin32 boasts a global user base exceeding 10,000, with approximately 5,000 new downloads annually. The software is primarily utilized in academia, but also by over seventy companies including Canon, Philip Morris International, and Bosch. Menges provides individual support to around 400 users each year. Spekwin32 is referenced in over 110 scientific publications and supports 35 file formats. Extensive documentation is available through an online manual. Menges highlights the United Nations / Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons’ decade-long employment of Spekwin32 in infrared spectra analysis as a key achievement.
Demonstrating versatility, Menges recently showcased Spekwin32’s compatibility with do-it-yourself spectrometers through a Hackaday project. The software addresses common challenges in data utilization related to file compatibility and software functionality. Menges’ dedication to this project, balancing personal passion with the creation of a globally valuable tool, is evident. The Kickstarter campaign to fund the modernization efforts is currently underway.
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