What can be done with optical technology for the realization of a sustainable global environment?

Hamamatsu Photonics is committed not only to providing products but also to contributing to a sustainable global environment through optical technology. Recognizing the importance of balancing environmental, social, and economic priorities, we are focused on a range of initiatives involving optical technology to help create a future where the Earth, humanity, and all forms of life coexist in harmony.

To learn more about our commitment to the environment, please visit 'Sustainability - Environment'.

Case studies

Water quality analysis

Radiation measurement

Contribution to the recycling of plastic resources

While plastics used in daily necessities such as automobiles, home appliances, and plastic bottles make our lives more comfortable, environmental problems caused by plastic waste are becoming increasingly serious.

Plastics can be made of a single material, or contain mixed materials or additives such as flame retardants. During processing at recycling sites, foreign substances such as metal need to be removed from the collected plastic.

X-ray, near-infrared, mid-infrared, and terahertz-based optical sensing technologies are used to sort various types of plastics and identify foreign matter.

X-ray, NIR, MIR, and terahertz sensing for plastic sorting and foreign material identification.

Dual-energy X-ray imaging

This is a method for material sorting using X-ray imaging.
The processing images obtained using two X-ray energy levels (high and low), enables advanced detection of composite plastics that may contain contaminants such as metal fragments, bromine, and glass fibers.

Near-infrared spectroscopy

This is the most common method for plastic sorting.

Due to the difference in absorption rate of near-infrared light, the type of plastic is mainly sorted by its spectral wavelength, around 1.9 μm.

Mid-infrared and terahertz spectroscopy

Black plastics such as ASR (Automobile Shredder Residue) absorb near-infrared light. Therefore, spectroscopic analysis using longer wavelengths of mid-infrared light (3 μm ~ 5 μm) and THz light (30 μm ~ 3mm) are used.

Working toward clean energy for sustainable development

One of the issues that must be solved in modern society is the energy problem. Currently, more than 80 % of Japan's primary energy comes from fossil fuels, however the energy resources on Earth are limited.

Under such circumstances, laser fusion, which can extract energy from the inexhaustible isotopes of hydrogen in seawater, is expected to be the key to solving global energy challenges.

Since power generation using laser fusion does not emit carbon dioxide or nitrogen compounds, it could aid in solving environmental problems such as climate change. As a clean energy source, it would enable sustainable development.

To learn more about our laser fusion initiatives, please visit 'Laser fusion research'.

Laser fusion

Contribution to bioresource production through photosynthesis

It is said that more than 80 % of the biomass on Earth comes from the absorption of carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Technologies that utilize bioresources to achieve carbon neutrality are being researched, with various optical technologies expected to be applied to evaluate photosynthesis processes.

Photonics technology contributes to the production of bioresources through photosynthesis and the realization of a sustainable society

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Fluorescence quantum yield measurement - Using photons to measure the efficiency of photosynthesis in light energy utilization

In photosynthesis, photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophyll, absorb light causing a chemical reaction to occur. The ratio of chemical energy to light energy absorbed by the dye is the efficiency of light energy utilization in photosynthesis.

By measuring the number of photons in the absorbed light and fluorescence, it is possible to determine the amount of change in the utilization efficiency of the absorbed light energy. This is expected to be applied to research and development, such as elucidating the mechanism of photosynthesis and improving the efficiency of artificial photosynthesis.

To measure the number of photons in the absorbed light and fluorescence, our PL quantum spectrometer is used.

The process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy

light energy is converted into chemical energy

Delayed fluorescence measurement - Measuring the chemical energy utilization capacity of photosynthesis using photons

In photosynthesis, the light energy absorbed by chlorophyll is converted into chemical energy and utilized in biochemical reactions. This is necessary for the production of bioresources such as CO₂ fixation. When some of this chemical energy undergoes a reverse reaction, photons are generated from chlorophyll.

By measuring these photons and combining them with cell mass measurements, it is possible to evaluate photosynthetic activity.

Photomultiplier tubes are used to measure photons, and mini-spectrometers to measure cell mass.

The process by which chemical energy is converted into light energy

Chemical energy is converted into light energy

Related products

Photomultiplier tubes (PMTs)

Mini-spectrometers

Photon detection unit C17056-01

Contribution to smarter agriculture

Modern agriculture is facing a variety of challenges, including a shortage of labor and successors due to the aging workforce, poor harvests resulting from abnormal weather, and environmental pollution caused by excessive fertilization.

In order to solve these issues, smart agriculture is expected to be combined with ICT and AI technologies to improve the efficiency of agriculture using the data obtained.

Sensing plant information is essential for the development of smart agriculture. By using optical technology to capture information about plants, such as the amount of water and components in their structure, and the growth rhythm, we can infer what kind of condition the plant is in and its requirements. This also allows the farmer to apply an appropriate amount of fertilization and improve the value of harvested products. We aim to contribute to the realization of environmentally friendly agriculture with the use of our optical sensing and detecting technologies.

For more information, please visit 'Optical sensing for agriculture'.

Smart agriculture

Related products

FTIR engine (FT-NIR spectrometer)

MEMS-FPI spectroscopic modules

Mini-spectrometers

Contribution to the resolution of environmental problems through atmospheric analysis

The Earth we live on is covered by an atmosphere, which is a collection of various gases. Optical technologies are used to monitor and detect atmospheric gases that affect surface conditions. They predict weather by observing atmospheric conditions and are used in a variety of locations, including factories and observation facilities.

Greenhouse gases and climate change

Climate change is attracting attention as a global problem, with the increase in greenhouse gases said to be one of the causes. Carbon dioxide is known as a typical greenhouse gas, but there are also gases that we emit in our daily lives, such as methane and nitrous oxide, that are said to have a higher greenhouse effect than carbon dioxide. The method of measuring greenhouse gases with optical technology is widely used around the world with our products used in various settings.

Greenhouse gas		Climate change potential	Main sources of emissions
Carbon dioxide	CO₂	1	Burning fossil fuels, etc.
Methane	CH₄	25	Rice cultivation, livestock, waste landfill, etc.
Nitrous oxide	N₂O	298	Combustion of fuels, industrial processes, etc.
Hydrofluorocarbons	HFCs	1,430, etc.	Sprays, air conditioner refrigerant, etc.
Sulfur hexafluoride	SF₆	22,800	Electrical insulators, etc.

* Climate change potential is an indicator of how many times the greenhouse effect is greater than that of carbon dioxide.

* Greenhouse gas emissions are expressed in terms of carbon dioxide emissions using this coefficient.

For more information on gas analysis, please visit 'Applications - Gas analysis'.

Gas analysis

Contribution to soil contamination countermeasures through soil analysis

In order to protect people's health, it is necessary to measure various pollutants such as VOCs, heavy metals, and pesticides to understand the condition of soil. Understanding the structure and physical function of soil can lead to proper soil management and improvement, which leads to soil protection.

Mass spectrometry is known as a highly accurate analytical technique for ionizing and measuring analytes, and has also been applied to the analysis of soils. Our ion detection devices are at the core of our mass spectrometer.

POPs* analysis

Environmental Survey of Dioxins in Shizuoka Prefecture

* POPs: Persistent Organic Pollutants

Heavy metal analysis

Example of Heavy Metal Mass Spectrometry

Soil analysis for PFAS

PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) are chemical substances with excellent water and oil-resistance properties that are widely used in various industrial products. For example, it can be found in non-viscous pans, water-repellent clothing, food packaging, and fire-fighting foam. However, these chemicals are very stable in the environment and not easily degraded. That is why it is also called the "eternal chemical".

Harmfulness of PFAS

Effects on the human body

PFAS can persist in the environment over a long period of time and accumulate in the human body through the food chain. Studies have shown that exposure to high concentrations of PFAS can cause health risks such as:

Carcinogenicity
Suppression of the immune system
Hormonal imbalance
Impaired function of the liver and kidneys

Environmental impact

PFAS can also cause serious problems in the natural environment. Soil and water pollution have a negative impact on ecosystems, causing a decrease in biodiversity and degradation of water quality. In particular, pollution in agricultural areas such as paddy fields and wetlands could have an impact on crops.

Contribution to society through soil analysis of PFAS

Identification and prevention of contamination

Soil analysis makes it possible to identify the source of PFAS contamination and take measures to prevent the spread of contamination. This minimizes the impact on local residents and crops.

Risk assessment and health protection

Assessing the risk can be carried out by understanding the concentration of PFAS in the soil. It is particularly important to predict the impact on crops and drinking water to take the necessary measures. This supports in the protection of the health of residents.

Mass spectrometry of Hamamatsu Photonics

For more information about mass spectrometry, please visit 'Applications - Mass spectrometry'.

Mass spectrometry

Contribution to evaluation of living water quality

Water quality assessment, which supports efforts to maintain safe drinking water, also plays a vital role in the environmental conservation of rivers, lakes, and oceans. A wide range of parameters are measured to evaluate water quality with various tools available for this. Our light sources and optical sensors are used to detect and measure nitrogen compounds, total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), chlorophyll a, and other key indicators.

Water quality assessment parameters

TOC measurement

TOC (Total Organic Carbon) is the amount of total organic carbon and is one of the indicators of water pollution. It is defined as the amount of carbon in organic matter present in water.

Related product

EX-PEN

COD measurement

COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) is a chemical oxygen demand and is a measure of the indicators of water pollution.

Related products

Deuterium lamp L6301-50

Si photodiode S12742-220

Si photodiode S12742-254

Si photodiode S12742-275

Chlorophyll a measurement

Chlorophyll a is a chlorophyll common to various types of algae and plants. Detection in water bodies can be used to monitor the occurrence of algae overgrowth and water pollution.

Related products

Mini-spectrometer C12880MA

MPPC modules

Nitric acid and nitrite measurement

Nitrogenous nitrogen and nitrite nitrogen, which are nitrogen compounds, flow into lakes and oceans in large quantities causing eutrophication problems, hypoxic water masses, and the generation of hydrogen sulfide. If it enters the human body through contaminated drinking water, it will have an especially diverse affect on infants and young children.

Related products

5 W xenon flash lamp modules L9455

Mini-spectrometer C16767MA

Si photodiode S12742-220

Si photodiode S12742-254

Si photodiode S12742-275

Accurate measurement of radiation dose and type

On Earth, radiation is emitted from a variety of substances.

Trace amounts of radiation are emitted not only from man-made facilities such as nuclear power plants, but also from food and living organisms. The accurate measurements obtained with Hamamatsu Photonics' optical technologies contribute to a clearer understanding of these radiation levels.

Comparison of methods

Although the appropriate radiation measurement method differs depending on the measurement purpose, the demand for the scintillation method is increasing as a high-precision measurement method that can separate radiation nuclides.

Hamamatsu Photonics develops and manufactures compact, lightweight, and highly sensitive photodetectors that are ideal for scintillation methods.

Scintillation method

Semiconductor method

Ionization chamber method

GM pipe system

Item	Scintillation method	Semiconductor method	GM pipe system
Features	Nuclide discrimination possible	Compact, light weight, and low cost	Simple structure
Main applications	Monitoring post	Portable measuring instrument	Surface contamination measuring instrument

What is nuclide discrimination?

In radiation measurement, the distinction between the differences in the radiant energy of a substance is called nuclide discrimination.

Through nuclide discrimination, it becomes possible not only to measure radiation levels, but also to obtain data that leads to deeper insights and root cause analysis, such as identifying specific radioactive materials. This material identification is known as nuclide identification.