WHAT is believed to be the world’s first-ever conference on the use of hyperspectral imaging in the fields of food innovation, science, crime fighting and counter terrorism is to be held in Glasgow next month (April 13 -14).
Says a spokesperson: “Scotland is leading the way in the development of the technology which collects and processes information from across the electromagnetic spectrum. Unlike the human eye, which is limited to visible white light, hyperspectral imaging can see ultraviolet and infrared.
“Every object leaves a unique ‘fingerprint’ across the electromagnetic spectrum. These fingerprints are known as spectral signatures and aid the identification of the materials that make up a scanned object”
Says Kevin Lynch, of Glasgow-based Gilden Photonics: “In nature, the mantis shrimp enjoys hyperspectral vision which enables it to recognise different types of coral, prey and predators, all of which may appear as the same colour to the human eye.
“We have developed the technology and made it economically viable to be used by a number of industries to identify and measure materials, whether it’s counterfeit alcohol, damaged human tissue or the consistency of a loaf of bread.
“Hyperspectral imaging has been around for about 15 years but very few people know about its potential. The technology has until recently remained largely untapped.
“We have built a range of sensors which look at objects using a wide portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. We have used this to build up a major database of known materials which can then be used to compare with samples. A prime example is the detection of counterfeit spirits without contamination of the product or using the spectral signature of oil to help mineralogists find new fields for drilling.”
Next month (April) the University of Strathclyde, in partnership with Gilden Photonics, is hosting a two day event, between April 13-14th, to highlight the potential uses and practical applications of the ground breaking technology.
“It is an exciting time to be involved in such a venture” said Professor Stephen Marshall of the University of Strathclyde.
The spokesperson continued: “The conference will hear expert evidence of the advantages of using the technology in dentistry, food and drink innovation, agricultural use, homeland defence, crime fighting, entomology and even astronomy.
“The conference comes just ahead of the official opening of the first-ever Hyperspectral imaging centre at the University of Strathclyde co-sponsored by the University’s Bridging the Gap Initiative and Gilden Photonics, the UK’s leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of cost effective and innovative optical spectroscopy solutions, components, turn-key instruments and OEM components.
“The centre, the first of its kind in the world, will provide a central location where the basic technology of hyperspectral imaging is available to any and all businesses and researchers.”
Continued Mr Lynch: “Any industry can approach the centre with any particular problem and we will help with an investigation by bringing their samples to the centre and putting them under the hyperspectral imaging system.
“Together with experts from the University’s Electronic and Electrical Engineering Department and the Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences we then come up with a proof of concept which will hopefully show them that they can get the results they want from using this revolutionary system.”
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Contact: Kevin Lynch
Phone: +44 (0)141 852 9475
Email: kevin.lynch@gildenphotonics.com
Website: http://www.gildenphotonics.com
