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Quantum photonics detection of environmental microplastics (Conference Presentation)
Summary
Researchers proposed using quantum photonics and entangled photons to build a new class of compact mid-infrared spectrometers for detecting microplastics in the environment. Traditional mid-infrared instruments are large and fragile, limiting field use. A quantum-based spectrometer could enable portable, on-site microplastic identification in water and air samples.
Plastic waste, especially microplastics, is a growing environmental problem. Mid infrared spectroscopy (MIR) is suitable for determining microplastics contamination. Currently, the required measuring devices are large and not robust enough for mobile and on site monitoring. Here we describe a concept using Quantum Photonics for a new class of MIR spectrometers based on the entangled photons principle. The system can be made compact and robust with readily available components. The combination with new microfluidics chips, suitable for MIR detection and artificial intelligence for automated image analysis and particle identification will open up completely new possibilities for environmental analysis and monitoring.
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