Centre for Applied Laser Spectroscopy Research

An extensive near - market research and development programme is currently underway to exploit the techniques available within the Centre.

The programme is strongly focussed on the use of these techniques and processes for innovative commercial and industrial applications and includes:

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for Water Analysis

A technique using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy is being developed and will soon be used for routine analysis of trace metals in water and soil for commercial purposes.

Laser Ignition of Energetic Materials

Theoretical and experimental research is being conducted into the laser ignition of energetic materials. This may have potential applications in the explosives industry.

Optical Techniques for Non-invasive Water Quality Analysis

Research on the UV-Laser induced fluorescence properties of potential chemical contaminants of water have demonstrated the possibility of using such optical techniques for non-invasive and continuous monitoring of water quality.

Raman LIDAR for Atmospheric Pollution Monitoring

Theoretical studies and practical tests have been undertaken for the remote profiling of water vapour and other pollutants including greenhouse gases.

Tracer Technology for Plastic Sorting

The Centre has conceived and developed the technique of using fluorescence tracers for the automatic sorting of commodity plastics for recycling and reuse.