Revolutionary method from Bochum: environmental monitoring with near-infrared light!

Revolutionary method from Bochum: environmental monitoring with near-infrared light!

Researchers from Bochum, Duisburg, Karlsruhe and Münster have developed a groundbreaking method for environmental monitoring based on the use of near-infrared (NIR) light. This innovative technique enables precise capture of detailed spectral information from various materials and biological samples. By using NIR light, different types of plastic can be distinguished without contact, which is particularly important for recycling processes.

The team behind this development consists of experienced researchers, including Jan Stegemann and Prof. Dr. Sebastian Kruss, who works at both the Fraunhofer Institute for Microelectronic Circuits and Systems IMS and the Ruhr University Bochum. Their research results were published in the prestigious journal Advanced Science, where the HyperNIR technique is presented in detail. The article appeared online on March 4, 2025.

Applications of HyperNIR technology

HyperNIR technology offers valuable advantages for the recycling sector as it greatly simplifies the identification and separation of plastics. At a time when the problem of microplastics is increasingly coming into focus, this method represents an important detection tool. The ability to detect different types of plastic in real time allows recycling companies to work more efficiently and optimize their processes.

The practical implementation of this technology has the potential to generate both ecological and economic benefits. Improved separation and processing of plastic waste could not only increase recycling rates, but also help reduce the environmental impact of microplastics.

For more information about this new method for environmental monitoring, you can read the detailed description on the website Zaitrus see.