Viavi makes NIR applications for industrial technology broader and cheaper

Every material in the universe has its own unique optical spectral signature. When you shine light on it, the reflected light contains information about the composition of the material. NIR (Near Infrared) is electromagnetic radiation invisible to the human eye. The radiation shines on the sample to be examined, with the product transmitting some of the radiation, absorbing some and possibly reflecting it. This creates a spectrum that shows which wavelengths have been absorbed or transmitted. This spectrum can then be used to determine which components are involved, as each molecule absorbs this radiation in a different way.

With this technique you can check, among other things, whether a sugar syrup contains the correct carbohydrate content, whether a soy powder contains sufficient proteins, whether the composition of your end product is correct or whether the correct product has been supplied by your supplier. This technique can be applied both on location and in a laboratory. This involves using an instrument that contains moving parts. Due to wear and tear on these moving parts, the measurement may become less accurate over time. They are also often large and expensive devices.

Viavi, a pioneer in optical sensors, is changing that. Viavi worked for seven years on the development of a Linear Filter Technology on foil: MicroNIR. Unlike other NIR spectrometers, MicroNIR does not use moving parts to filter the light, but rather foil. Different wavelengths are transmitted along the length of the foil. The coating on the foil provides less wavelength shifting compared to traditional coatings and provides deeper suppression of ambient light, allowing for more accurate measurements. This technology is also wear-resistant, because it no longer involves working with moving parts is cheaper to produce.

From the lab to a handy (inline) instrument

Viavi has previously brought near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy from the laboratory to the field. They developed smaller, portable devices so that the measurement of materials can be carried out “on the spot”. With the introduction of this technology they are taking it one step further. For example, an analysis device can now be reduced to the size of a golf ball! 

Application possibilities are broader

The Linear Filter Technology on foil is an innovation that can soon even be used by consumers. Viavi is currently working on, among other things, the integration of spectrometers in smartphones. Consumers will soon also be able to take measurements themselves using their telephone, for example testing the ingredients of a (food) product or checking the glucose level in the blood. 

Would you like more information about what Viavi can do in and for your process? Please contact Product Manager Kees van der Sar, specialist in spectroscopy, via vandersar@inventech.nl.