Photonics News No 12
Photonics News Magazine - Issue 12
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Editorial
PN Nordic #12
Dear Reader,
Photonics play an important role driving innovation across a variety of industries. One such field is agriculture, in which the technology is applied to overcome new challenges and increase productivity and quality. Photonic technologies can help predict fungal infestation in fruits, determine the amount of nitrogen the grain requires, and analyse authenticity of ingredients to protect against food fraud. In this issue of Photonics News, we highlight intelligent farming and how photonics are used to change the agricultural sector in terms of sustainability and resilience.
In recent months many of us had to face a different kind of radical change caused by the surge of COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, while the crisis unfolds, we should prepare for what is coming next. The new reality taking shape is made of complexity, uncertainty and opportunities. At LASER COMPONENTS it is important to us that we stick to our long-term goals despite the incalculable extent of the pandemic. We are using this quieter time to develop new products and technologies. In addition, extensive investments have been completed or initiated in recent months.
First and foremost, we proudly want to inform about our new production facility in Chandler, Arizona. The almost 3,000 m² building is used for the development and production of avalanche photodiodes and infrared detectors, the demand for which has multiplied in recent months. For this purpose, state-of-the-art temperature- and humidity-controlled cleanrooms of class ISO7 (10,000 according to US standard FED-STD-209E) with airtight passages and an air shower were installed. The new factory provides space for 60 employees working in a single shift and up to 200 employees working in three shifts. With this ultra-modern building, we are able to meet the rapidly increasing demand for our technologies and support our customers´ growth.
We have also invested diligently at our production site in Germany. For example, another large ion beam sputtering coating system for producing high-quality laser optics will soon be put into operation. Additionally, a completely revised concept for the measurement of single-photon counters is now available which will increase production capacity and flexibility for our COUNT modules.
Enjoy reading!
Fredrik Wikfeldt
CEO, Laser Components Nordic AB
Healthy and High-Quality Food
Beyond Borders
How Do Fruits and Vegetables Stay Healthy?
The quality control of agricultural products does not end with their harvest. This is especially true for fruit and vegetables that are not directly processed because the condition of the fruit changes during storage and transport. During harvesting, the fruit is separated from the plant, and therefore no longer receives water and nutrients. At the same time, more water is lost through evaporation: a decay process begins that makes the goods more susceptible to pests and ultimately spoiling. Researchers are looking for ways to assess the “state of health” of fruits and vegetables quickly and automatically in order to keep the yield of harvested food as high as possible.
Intelligent Agriculture
Beyond Borders
Fertilizer Is Important – But How Much?
Mankind has used fertilizers since ancient times to increase the yield of field crops. In addition to manure and animal feces, the Romans and Celts used carbonated lime and marl. In the 19th century, nutrient-rich guano was one of the most important sources of income in South American countries. Wars were even fought over the coveted bird droppings. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the Haber-Bosch process has been used to produce synthetic ammonia – and thus the first artificial fertilizer.1 Today, this subject is a hotly debated political issue. As with anything else, it is a matter of the right dosage. Useful and harmful aspects must be weighed against each other. Optical technologies can help to find the right balance.
What will Become of our Climate?
Beyond Borders
No Agriculture Without Rain
Agriculture cannot thrive without rain. For a long time, this has sounded like a truism, but it is gaining new meaning with the increasing threat of global warming. The study of water in the atmosphere is becoming more and more important. Scientists are not limiting themselves to the obvious accumulation of water in the clouds. The water vapor in the upper layers of the atmosphere has also become the subject of research. It is a major cause of the so-called “greenhouse effect,” which, on the one hand, ensures that our planet remains habitable. On the other hand, there is the danger that the atmosphere can heat up so much due to a “feedback effect” that the Earth will be transformed into an uninhabitable wasteland. With powerful LiDAR methods, researchers aim to unlock the secrets of water vapor.
New Products
Beyond Borders
LASER COMPONENTS Nordic - Your competent partner for optical and optoelectronic components in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland.
Welcome to LASER COMPONENTS Nordic AB, your expert for photonics components. Each product in our wide range of detectors, laser diodes, laser modules, optics, fiber optics, and more is worth every Crown (SEK). Our customized solutions cover all conceivable areas of application: from sensor technology to medical technology. You can reach us here:
Box 14001 / Skårs led 3
SE-400 20 Göteborg
Sweden
Phone: +46 (0)31 703 7173
Email: info(at)
