Jul. 29, 2024
Diagnostic Spectroscopy
Recent technological advancements have enabled researchers to analyze blood for a variety of biomarkers simultaneously, significantly enhancing diagnostic capabilities. Raman spectroscopy-based blood diagnostics represent an extremely innovative field of study. This technique allows for a comprehensive examination of cellular components and plasma with just a few microliters of sample. Efforts are now underway to adapt these concepts for point-of-care diagnostics. This includes customized sample preparation, intelligent measurement workflows, functional bioassays, and high-throughput devices. The point-of-care approach is further enhanced by machine learning pipelines that automatically analyze spectroscopic data and present the findings as straightforward medical diagnostics. This article will primarily focus on Raman spectroscopic methods for point-of-care blood diagnostics.
Key Technologies: Raman Spectroscopy, Point-of-care diagnostics, Raman microspectroscopy
Laser Welding for E-Mobility
Spurred by environmental legislation and a general rise in e-mobility technologies, automakers and parts manufacturers are ramping up production of electric vehicles. To meet current and anticipated demand, increased focus is placed on the individual manufacturing steps, including battery pack fabrication, necessary to meet production targets. Laser processing materials, and, specifically laser welding, is an essential practice to this surge in e-mobility. This article examines the requirements for laser systems needed to weld similar and disparate materials; support growing demand; and accommodate a still-evolving technology landscape. Considerations to the advent of AI and other process monitoring functions are placing new challenges on laser-makers and manufacturers.
Key Technologies: Laser materials processing, Laser welding, laser microprocessing, Lasers for e-mobility, Automated process inspection, femtosecond lasers (IR and VIS), C02 lasers, Blue lasers
Fluorescence Microscopy
Advancing LED (illumination) technology and multi-bandpass filters are combining to provide more opportunities than ever for the development of sophisticated fluorescence instruments, including for fluorescence microscopes. Systems designers and end-users are leveraging new potential in fluorescence techniques and instrumentation as a result: The simplicity, cost-efficiency, and durability of basic devices is now converging with versatility of more advanced systems. This article provides background information about why multiple wavelength bands are often needed when dealing with multiple fluorophores; a description of how current solutions are implemented using broadband lamps and filter wheels or replaceable filters, and the limitations this imposes; and a description of an approach using LEDs and multi-band filters in tandem, and the benefits for users of fluorescence microscopes. The article also provides a look at current trends in fluorescence instrumentation, made possible through the available of “any-color” LEDs and advanced optical filter technology.
Key Technologies: Multi-bandpass optical filters, Fluorescence microscopy, Fluorescence imaging, Visible high-brightness LEDs, Bio-imaging
Motion Control for Laser Micromachining
As laser microprocessing permeates the semiconductor and consumer electronics manufacturing environments, enabling the creation of intricate micro- and nanoscale features with exceptional precision, advancements in motion control technologies are central to the ability of laser systems to meet the rigors of the modern manufacturing at scale. Contributing editor Marie Freebody scrutinizes the relationship between laser performance and motion control capability, surveying sector leaders and reporting on the technology arcs of two core photonics technologies. Motor design considerations, embedded control mechanisms, the advent of AI and advanced software, and productization are among this feature article's primary areas of focus.
Key Technologies: Motion control, Ultrafast laser materials processing, Laser micromachining, Positioning equipment, Laser scanners, Linear motors, Software
Photonic Fundamentals: Manufacturing AR/VR Lenses
Dimming technologies for AR and smart glasses are explored, as a crucial consideration to the sustained commercial adoption of these technologies. The article identifies challenges facing both technology designs and real-world performance before introducing various emerging dimming technologies with the potential to address the issue of current AR displays being unable to seamlessly blend with the real world in all conditions. Electrochromic and photochromic, to guest-host liquid crystal technology, as well as the differences between global and spatial (pixelated) dimming are among the featured technology angles. The article also highlights ongoing R&D in this field and the prospects of shaping the future of AR and smart glasses.
Key Technologies: AR/VR displays, AR optics, liquid crystal, Smart glasses, Plastic optics for AR/MR
EPIC Insights: Automotive Lighting
The automotive industry has always been at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge technologies to improve safety, performance, and user experience. Only in recent years has photonics emerged as a transformative force in automotive lighting, offering significant benefits over legacy lighting systems, including in improved efficiency, longevity, and component and system design flexibility. At all reaches of the value chain -- LEDs, OLEDs, microLEDs, micro lens arrays, and color measurement technology -- companies are contributing to a blossoming technology area with tailwinds from innovations in automation, light sources, and sensors.
Key Technologies: Illumination, Automotive lighting, LEDs, OLEDs, OLED device fabrication, Quantum Dots, Electroluminescent displays, Micro-LEDs, Microlens array, Optical adhesives, Color measurement, Automotive lidar
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