In-depth articles written by our editorial team focusing on the latest developments in materials science and technology
Nitrogen is a vital element for plant and animal growth. An overabundance of the substance, however, is linked with adverse effects on the health of humans, animals, and our ecosystems.
By Sarah Moore
23 Feb 2022
Spectroscopy is being used to sort different kinds of plastic waste for recycling. Many plastics that are made from different polymers and require different recycling procedures are colorless and indistinguishable by eye, but techniques such as Raman and infrared spectroscopy, which are sensitive to the molecular vibrations in the sample, can be used to tell them apart.
By Rebecca Ingle, Ph.D
22 Feb 2022
Machine vision and imaging spectroscopy approaches have been successfully used for the identification of Japanese knotweed and can discriminate between different plant species in the same area. Other species, such as serica, can also be identified using such methodologies and instrumentation attached to airborne vehicles that can either be piloted remotely or run in autonomous modes.
By Rebecca Ingle, Ph.D
22 Feb 2022
Spectroscopy measures the interactions of electrons, protons, and ions in a material, based on collision energy. It is a popularly used non-destructive analytical tool in plant science and agriculture research, which helps determine the presence of microbial infection, pests, toxins, chemical composition, and adulterants in agricultural produce.
By Rebecca Ingle, Ph.D
21 Feb 2022
Photonics is helping automate processes in agriculture and manufacturing such as screening fields for crop quality and plant diseases. With the right spectroscopic and imaging techniques, it is possible to check water levels in plants and determine the nutritional content of plant species.
By Rebecca Ingle, Ph.D
21 Feb 2022
In the next few decades, opportunities provided by photonics have the potential to have a much more societal impact. Photonics will be at the heart of some of the most competitive and high-profile marketplaces in history, with a £14.5 billion niche industry.
By Akhlaqul Karomah
18 Feb 2022
Optogenetics is an emerging field that uses light and genetic engineering to detect and control the activity of genetically modified proteins or neurons. Optogenetics has advanced numerous applications in various sectors, from technology to agriculture. Here, we focus on how it is revolutionizing medical research to facilitate rapid diagnosis of disease and offer monitoring and novel treatment options for various diseases.
By Sarah Moore
17 Feb 2022
Lasers have become an indispensable tool in manufacturing. From precision cutting applications to complex micromachining, lasers are now the tools of choice to work with a range of materials and manufacturing processes. One of the key benefits of this level of control, precision, and reduction in stress induced in the material, is that lasers can help dramatically reduce the amount of waste in industrial manufacturing.
By Rebecca Ingle, Ph.D
17 Feb 2022
Quantum mechanics technology is expected to transform how the world operates in the near future. The past several years have already seen quantum technologies reach important milestones, with governments heavily investing in further development. This article looks at how photonics is fueling quantum technology applications.
By Ilamaran Sivarajah
16 Feb 2022
This article looks at the history of medical imaging, from Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen's first X-ray to the introduction of magnetic resonance imaging.
By Benedette Cuffari
15 Feb 2022