Centre for Advanced Photonics & Process Analysis Gateway

CAPPA

The CAPPA Gateway, based in Cork Institute of Technology, is applying light-based photonic technologies for near-to-market problems for industrial partners.

Expertise

New photonics devices

Medtech & pharmaceuticals

Food & beverages

Manufacturing technologies

CAPPA applies photonics solutions to industry in a wide range of sectors, including medical devices and technologies, pharmaceutical manufacturing, food & beverage technologies and electronics and telecommunications. Photonics is the science of generating, controlling and detecting light, and is a key enabling technology underpinning many different application areas. Examples addressed by CAPPA include advanced imaging & spectroscopy – a suite of powerful spectroscopy and microscopy techniques covering a wide wavelength range (including FTIR, Raman, UV/Vis) providing detailed information on chemical composition, active ingredient distribution, optical device dynamics, etc. It can be used to monitor processes, detect counterfeit products, aid root cause analysis, and investigate novel materials.

Non-invasive sensing and detection – optical sensors can provide compact and non- or minimally-invasive solutions for a wide range of sensing and imaging requirements. Using ‘fingerprint’ absorption wavelengths, specific gases or liquids can be targeted. Optical sensors have applications in medical devices, process monitoring and environmental sensing.
Optical design and modelling – we use advanced simulation software such as Zemax to design efficient, compact and cost-effective optical systems, with 3D printing capabilities available for fast prototyping. This has been used, for instance, to design backlighting for a remote control, and UV illumination for a water purification system.

CAPPA at Cork

“CAPPA were successful in building a quality control model to allow us asses the maturity of mozzarella which will help us to ensure customer satisfaction. We have found CAPPA to be an extremely valuable and flexible resource in providing quality control of our mozzarella cheese.”

Séamus Lane – Managing Director, Four
Star Pizza Wilton

Read our case studies