How can we make light detect diseases or make us more efficient? Leitat is investigating.
Located in Barcelona's DFactory, the technology center promotes advanced optical solutions that can open new opportunities in automation, quality control, and detection in both biomedical and industrial environments.
On May 16, 1960, physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman performed the first successful operation using laser technology. To commemorate this, in 2017, UNESCO declared every May 16th the International Day of Light. Since then, activities have been organized around the world to highlight how light plays an essential role in a wide range of different fields: from science to culture to education. The Leitat technology center is well aware of this and continues to work to find new applications for light. From its laboratory located in Barcelona's DFactory, the internationally renowned Industry 4.0 ecosystem promoted by the Barcelona Free Trade Zone Consortium, Leitat's Photonics and Vision department leads highly complex projects. To this end, it applies optical sensing, hyperspectral vision, and laser technologies, aimed at solving challenges in fields such as Industry 4.0, healthcare, agri-food, energy, and the bioeconomy.
"Photonics is a cross-cutting technology that accelerates innovation and efficiency in industrial and scientific processes," says Jordi Cabrafiga, CEO of Leitat.–"We are seeing a clear increase in interest in the use of this technological branch, less known to the general public, by companies across multiple sectors as a key tool for improving their competitiveness," he continues. Currently, the team has a highly equipped laboratory with laser systems, hyperspectral cameras, detection equipment, and the needs of each project based on the three main lines of research: sensor design and development, vision technologies, and the use of lasers in the industrial field.
Two key techniques
Among the techniques Leitat uses in its laboratories are hyperspectral vision and optical simulation. Hyperspectral vision allows for the acquisition of images that provide detailed information on the chemical composition of the objects observed. This makes it possible, for example, to determine the degree of hydration of food or skin, classify products, or detect the presence of contaminants.
Optical simulation, on the other hand, focuses on ray tracing analysis to study and design optical systems, such as the design of solar light concentrators for applications in solar energy, agriculture, and renewable fuel production. This technique is used, for example, in the development of solar light concentrators for solar energy, agriculture, or renewable fuel production.
Revolutionary projects
Among the recent success stories of Leitat's Photonics and Vision department, two relevant projects in different fields stand out. In the industrial sector, the European project NEWSKIN stands out, which has developed an automated system for the drying and control of industrial coatings. This solution combines infrared lamps with vision systems and artificial intelligence algorithms, enabling real-time process optimization and significantly reducing energy consumption.
In the health field, the PANACEA project stands out, focusing on the creation of an optical sensor capable of detecting the presence of legal drugs in saliva using light biomarkers, as well as quantifying their level of consumption. Both prototypes were presented during the exhibition organized by Leitat at the Advanced Factories fair and can currently be visited at the showroom that the center has the DFactory Barcelona in its facilities.
Looking to the future, Leitat is already working in emerging fields such as integrated photonics, quantum computing, and photonic chips, as well as in the design of optical systems for solar power generation and precision agricultural applications, and is committed to the sustainable growth of its Photonics and Vision department. This is a key driver of social progress.
"Photonics has a challenging future, and its application will be increasingly widespread across all sectors. Thanks to cost reductions, more companies and industries are adopting photonic-based solutions as a tool for innovation," says David Gutiérrez, director of Leitat's Digital Industry Department. He also points out that the digital age and the growth of artificial intelligence are driving new developments, such as photonic chips and quantum computing.
