Anti-reflective (AR) coatings are indispensable in optical technology, reducing unwanted reflections and boosting light transmission. When applied to micro-optics, these coatings significantly enhance performance in systems where even minute reflection losses can degrade efficiency. From laser systems to smartphones, the applications of AR coatings are as varied as the tools used to characterize them.

Animal color vision is a stunning example of evolutionary adaptation. Birds can see ultraviolet light with their four cone types, while mantis shrimps have up to 12 photoreceptors, seeing colors and polarized light we can’t. Many mammals, like dogs, are dichromatic, with a limited color range but superior night vision. These diverse visual systems highlight how species adapt their sight to survive, revealing worlds beyond our perception and underscoring nature’s incredible versatility.

The natural world teems with colors and patterns, many of which are imperceptible to human eyes. Yet, for numerous animals, ultraviolet (UV) light is a critical part of their vision system. From birds to insects, UV sensitivity aids in communication, predator detection, and mating. One of the leading tools for studying UV light and its role in animal vision is microspectrophotometry, a technique that has provided valuable insights into the function of ocular tissues and photoreceptors. This blog explores how microspectrophotometry advances our understanding of UV transmission and animal vision, focusing on research conducted with spiders as an example.

The food industry operates within a complex landscape. Stringent regulations, consumer demands for transparency, and the ever-present challenge of ensuring food safety and quality, are just a few key pressures facing the sector. Meeting these challenges demands innovative analytical tools capable of providing rapid, accurate, and non-destructive assessments of food products. Photoluminescence microspectroscopy is one such methodology.