How best to power up solar: ease, efficiency or cost?
12 August 2019
Incumbent silicon photovoltaic players have powerful technologies with which to deliver clean energy – but perovskite solar start-ups think they can do better, finds Andy Extance
environment
Terahertz technique to identify sub-surface damage in wood
9 August 2019
The method could catch insect infestation at early stages, helping to prevent further damage to trees and forests
Photonics vital for hitting climate targets, research suggests
11 July 2019
Jessica Rowbury reports on the importance of technical light applications in meeting the targets of the Paris Agreement
The forest illuminated at night. Credit: Albert Porcar-Castell
Illuminating the link between plants and carbon sinks
23 May 2019
Researchers have developed a remote sensing device that provides a more thorough way of monitoring photosynthesis in plants and trees
Spectral sensing to build picture of natural disasters
10 April 2019
An Earth observation satellite containing a hyperspectral imager has been launched into Space in a five-year programme spearheaded by the Italian Space Agency
Photo-acoustic PIC sensors could allow low-cost emission analysis
21 March 2019
CEA Leti researchers have developed prototype opto-acoustic sensors that are more energy-efficient and cheaper than existing systems, making gas emission monitoring more accessible
Spectroscopy used to characterise microplastics
26 February 2019
Scientists are using spectroscopy to characterise microplastics in the environment and determine the major sources of microplastic pollution in Danish wastewater and rainwater systems
The dividend of the spectrum
1 November 2018
Imaging spectroscopy offers a powerful way to understand this world and others, and optical innovations are enhancing its capabilities, finds Andy Extance
ESA launches lidar wind measuring satellite
23 August 2018
On 22 August, a powerful lidar instrument was launched into orbit by the European Space Agency as part of the first space mission to acquire profiles of the wind on a global scale
Nasa tests triple-pulse lidar system to monitor greenhouse gases
28 March 2018
Nasa has recently tested an airborne lidar system that uses three simultaneous laser pulses to detect and measure two potent greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide and water vapour
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