Feasibility Studies
Test the Idea Before You Commit.
Not every photonics challenge can be solved on paper.
Wavelength, material properties, speed, resolution, environmental conditions and system configuration can all determine whether a technology will perform as expected. For demanding or novel applications, the most reliable way to find out is often to test it.
Laser 2000 helps you evaluate critical aspects of your application before moving into implementation—combining photonics expertise, suitable technologies and access to specialised laboratories and technology partners.
When Is a Feasibility Study Useful?
When the Answer Is Not Yet Clear
Many applications can be solved by defining the requirements and selecting proven technologies. Others involve variables that cannot be reliably evaluated from specifications alone.
A feasibility study can help when:
The material response is uncertain
Different materials absorb, reflect or transmit light differently depending on wavelength.
Performance needs to be proven
Required speed, resolution or measurement accuracy may only be verified under realistic conditions.
The environment affects the application
Ambient light, laser safety requirements or other operating conditions can influence the result.
Several technologies need to work together
Cameras, illumination, optics, lasers, sensors and software may need to be evaluated as a complete system.
The application is new
For challenging or cutting-edge applications, testing can create the knowledge needed to determine the right approach.
These are the central uncertainties identified in the briefing, ranging from wavelength/material interaction and inspection speed to camera configuration, environmental conditions and required accuracy.
From Question to Evidence
A Practical Path to the Right Approach
Understand
Define the application, requirements and critical uncertainties.
Evaluate
Identify promising technologies and determine what needs to be tested.
Test
Evaluate the relevant parameters, components or technology combinations under representative conditions.
Analyse
Compare the results against the required performance.
Recommend
Use the findings to identify the most suitable approach and define the next steps.
What Can We Evaluate?
Wavelength & Material Interaction
Determine which spectral range provides the absorption, reflection or contrast required for the application.
Imaging & Detection
Evaluate camera technologies, number of cameras, field of view and imaging approaches.
Resolution & Accuracy
Determine whether the required features, defects or dimensional information can be reliably detected or measured.
Speed & Throughput
Test whether inspection, analysis or processing can achieve the required cycle time.
Environmental Conditions
Consider ambient light, laser safety and other factors that may affect performance.
Technology Combinations
Evaluate how sources, optics, cameras, detectors and other technologies perform together.
The briefing specifically highlights matching wavelengths from UV through VIS/NIR to extended SWIR and using test results to identify suitable product combinations or, where necessary, adapt products to the requirements.
Typical Feasibility Studies
Sorting & Material Classification
Determine whether optical or spectral information can reliably distinguish materials or products.
2D & 3D Inspection
Evaluate imaging approaches for automated optical inspection, geometry and surface analysis.
Defect Detection
Test whether defects on surfaces or within materials can be detected with the required reliability.
Metrology
Verify whether an optical approach can achieve the required measurement accuracy.
Plant & Agricultural Analysis
Evaluate imaging and spectral technologies for plant health and material characteristics.
Colour Measurement & Classification
Determine the appropriate illumination and detection approach for reliable colour evaluation.
These correspond directly to the typical applications in the briefing.
Reduce Uncertainty Before Development
A feasibility study is not simply a product demonstration. Its purpose is to create the technical evidence needed to make the next decision.
By testing critical assumptions early, development effort can be focused on approaches that have already demonstrated their potential. The results may lead to a suitable combination of existing technologies—or show where adaptation or a more individual solution is required.
This also reflects one of the principal benefits identified in the briefing: reducing R&D time by applying existing Laser 2000 expertise and using the results to determine the best technology combination or necessary product adaptations.
Talk to a Photonics Advisor
Not sure whether your application needs a feasibility study? Our Photonics Advisors are here to help.
Not Sure If Your Idea Will Work?
Tell us what you want to achieve and where the technical uncertainty lies.
Our experts can help determine whether a feasibility study is the right next step and which aspects of your application need to be evaluated.