PhotonDelta of the Netherlands releases a roadmap for integrated Photonics in agri-food

Dutch photonic integrated circuit (PIC) pioneer PhotonDelta and OnePlanet Research Center have released a roadmap for integrated photonics in the agri-food sector.

PhotonDelta is an ecosystem of research, design, development and manufacturing integrated photonics technology solutions. PhotonDelta connects pioneers in the field with investors and viable markets, helping to drive the industry forward by providing funding, investment and a roadmap for research and development. PhotonDelta is based in the Netherlands but liaises and cooperates throughout the European market.

The IMEC OnePlanet Research Center in the Netherlands is at the forefront of new real-time sensing technologies (near infrared [NIR], Raman spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging) based on integrated photon technology. OnePlanet's goal is to raise awareness of and improve agro-food production processes to optimize resource use and reduce waste.

According to PhotonDelta, the road map shows the future of sustainable food production and distribution supply using photonic microchip technology. Specifically, it describes the role that integrated photonics and photonics technologies will play in the transformation of sustainable agricultural practices and food supply: maximizing production across the food supply chain while minimizing food waste.

Several organizations made major contributions to the creation of the roadmap, including Dutch spectroscopy company MantiSpectra, Eindhoven University of Technology and Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.

Precision agriculture, the practice of using sensors to achieve highly precise and optimized planting and distribution techniques, is at the forefront of this effort. Precision agriculture requires small, cost-effective and scalable technologies to enable high-volume and low-cost production, the partners said.

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are ideal for optical sensing applications, particularly for real-time remote sensing of crop and food components in the field and throughout the supply chain. Miniaturization and low power consumption make PIC ideal for handheld devices.

Sensor fusion is defined as the potential to integrate multiple sensing technologies into a single portable device, enabling data from multiple sensor sources to be combined for more accurate detection and quantitative analysis. The individual sensor technologies identified in the report include Lidar, near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and imaging, and Raman spectroscopy.

When applied to agriculture, lidar can be used to map orchards, soil conditions and water flows, as well as the precise location of agricultural machinery and livestock. Near-infrared spectroscopy tests can provide detailed information on the composition and soil characteristics of products such as milk and agricultural products, as well as for inspection and assessment of shapes and anomalies.

Raman spectroscopy can be used for the analysis of chemicals with high sensitivity and specificity. When used in agricultural Settings, it can also measure the chemical composition of plants to determine growing conditions. Raman spectroscopy is also used in livestock management to monitor and control emissions of polluting gases such as ammonia, methane, nitrogen dioxide and nitrous oxide.

Even with just a few platforms, multiple agri-food applications can be supported. For example, visible and near-infrared spectroscopy and imaging can measure chemical compositions such as nutrients, chlorophyll, proteins and sugars in plants and soils, as well as detection applications. Integrated photonic sensors will enable farmers to provide optimal water, light and nutrition to their crops, as well as assess crop conditions and provide early detection of diseases.

(Photo credit: PhotonDelta)

In addition to related supporting technologies, the roadmap identifies trends in precision agriculture, food processing and retail. The PhotonDelta Ecosystem and its partners encourage the participation of more players in the industry to help design, develop and manufacture products based on integrated photonics. Companies mentioned in the roadmap involved in integrating optoelectronics and agri-food include Ommatidia LiDAR, Scantinel Photonics, MantiSpectra, Neuruno, Deloq and Spectrik, among others.

Source: OFweek