The workshop “Laser Spectroscopy and Photonic Technologies for Circular Economy: Advancing Sustainable Innovations in Material Research and Diagnostics” will take place 19-20 June 2025 in Heraklion/Crete. It is a dynamic event dedicated to exploring the transformative role of photonic technologies in fostering sustainability and innovation.
This workshop will primarily focus on laser spectroscopy, imaging, and sensing technologies, exploring their critical role in material research, diagnostics, and sustainable innovation. Participants will gain insights into how these advanced photonic techniques enable precise material characterization, real-time monitoring, and efficient resource management—key drivers for circular economy solutions. Through expert talks, hands-on sessions, and interactive discussions, the workshop will highlight the versatility and impact of these technologies across research and industry.
The program will also feature a poster session, providing a platform for researchers and students to present their work, exchange ideas, and foster new collaborations.
Two hands-on sessions will offer participants practical experience in:
- Hyperspectral Imaging – exploring its powerful capabilities in material analysis and diagnostics.
- Laser Spectroscopy – delving into its versatile applications in environmental monitoring, quality control, and material characterization.
Who should attend
This workshop is designed for a diverse audience of researchers, professionals, and students who are interested in the intersection of photonic technologies and sustainable innovation. It will be particularly valuable for:
- Researchers and Academics working in material science, photonics, environmental science, chemistry, and related fields who want to explore advanced diagnostic tools and sustainable applications.
- Industry Professionals from sectors such as recycling, manufacturing, environmental monitoring, and quality control seeking innovative solutions for material analysis and circular economy practices.
- Graduate and PhD Students aiming to expand their knowledge and hands-on experience in hyperspectral imaging and laser spectroscopy.
Whether you are driven by scientific curiosity, industrial innovation, or sustainability goals, this workshop offers valuable insights, networking opportunities, and practical skills tailored to your interests.
Hands-on sessions
Hyperspectral Imaging
Unlike traditional RGB imaging, which captures only three spectral bands, hyperspectral imaging (HSI) collects the entire spectrum from every point in the field of view, producing the “spectral cube”: a stack of images taken at a large number of wavelengths. HSI synergistically combines the spatial correlations typical of imaging with the chemometric information provided by spectra, thus enabling the identification of materials in an inhomogeneous sample. This technology has been widely used since the 1970s in several fields such as remote sensing, medical imaging, astronomy, agriculture, and conservation science, and can now become a key technology for sorting materials in the circular economy.
Laser Spectroscopy
This hands-on experimental demonstration will provide participants with a practical understanding of how to use laser spectroscopy techniques for the analysis and characterization of surfaces and materials. The following techniques will be demonstrated:
- LIBS: Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy enables the determination of the elemental composition of materials on the basis of the characteristic atomic emission from a micro-plasma produced by focusing a high-power laser on, a solid surface. It is widely used in various analytical applications for qualitative, semi-quantitative, and quantitative material analysis. LIBS is a rapid, micro-destructive technique that can be performed both at close range and remotely (from distances of up to hundreds of meters). It can be used for bulk analysis, depth profiling (elemental distribution with depth), and 2D and 3D chemical mapping.
- Raman: Raman spectroscopy is a well-established analytical technique that probes vibrational and other low-frequency modes in molecules and materials. As a result, it provides an accurate look into chemical bonding, thereby enabling identification of various types of materials, both inorganic and organic. Raman spectroscopy features high sensitivity and specificity, it is rapid, non-destructive, and can be performed in situ. When performed using a Raman microscope, it offers superb spatial resolution and minimal analysis time.
Following a brief introduction to the fundamental principles and instrumentation of both techniques, participants will have the opportunity to use a Raman microscope and a micro-LIBS instrument (developed at IESL-FORTH) to analyse various materials. Participants are encouraged to contact us in advance if they wish to bring their own samples for potential analysis during the demonstration.
The workshop is organised within the frame of project ReMade@ARI (REcyclable MAterials DEvelopement at Analytical Research Infrastructures) co-funded by the European Union as part of Horizon Europe (GA No 10105841).
The event is endorsed by Laserlab-Europe through EU’s Horizon Europe co-funded project Lasers4EU (GA No 101131771).