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handheld spectroscopy applications

discoverspectre®


We see the invisible®
for sustainable quality control

Learn how AGR's® end-to-end solutions use AI and invisible light to fingerprint materials and catch problems early. Our nano-optics approach may be at the cutting edge, but its core principle of spectroscopy is rooted in proven science. 

Contact us to deploy a complete solution for
 your application.

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AGR® was founded with the goal of detecting crop afflictions early, before they spread, to facilitate targeted application of fungicides and fertilizers.  Pushing the industry away from "spray-and-pray" strategies saves growers time and money while helping to produce a more valuable and sustainable organic product.

Supported by the National Science Foundation and world-renowned experts at Virginia Tech, AGR® integrated Spectre® into a custom handheld AI scanner that detected afflictions in grapes up to 5X earlier than the human eye and 5X more accurately than standard cameras while deploying models 500X faster than imaging - All on the edge. 

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Agriculture, Forestry, Food & Beverage

In-field early detection of crop afflictions

Early Detection of Wine Grape Afflictions using AGR's Spectre MINI and AI Automated Chemometrics


Detecting crop afflictions early, before they spread, saves farmers time and money by facilitating the targeted application of fungicides and fertilizers.  Supported by the National Science Foundation, AGR® integrated its C14384MA-01 Spectre® MINI into a custom handheld AI scanner that utilized NIR spectral fingerprinting to detect grape afflictions 5X earlier than the human eye and 5X more accurately than standard cameras while training models 1500X faster than imaging - All on the edge.

On-plant fruit ripeness evaluation

Time-Resolved Quantification of Tomato Ripening


Monitoring daily ripening of tomatoes is crucial for optimizing harvest times and ensuring quality. The C11708MA and C12666MA spectrometers measured reflectance in the VIS-NIR to identify changes in chlorophyll, carotenoids, and lycopene. Their portability, accuracy, and wide spectral range make them ideal for this application. Our C14272, C13272-03, C14273 short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectrometers are useful in similar applications.

Medical & Pharmaceutical

Point-of-care live sampling for early disease detection

Mobile Phone Based Mini-Spectrometer for Rapid Screening of Skin Cancer


Screening for skin cancer is crucial for early detection and treatment. The C12880MA spectrometer was used to measure the reflection spectra of skin lesions and normal skin in the VIS-NIR, integrated with a dermatoscope and smartphone for successful real-time analysis. Its compact size, high resolution, and wireless capability made it ideal for rapid, non-invasive diagnostics. Our C14272, C13272-03, C14273 short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectrometers are useful in similar applications.

Portable, compact fluorescence for biomarker detection

Portable Fluorimeter for the Detection of Cysteine in Human Urine


Detecting cysteine in human urine is vital for evaluating biological metabolism, preventing tissue/DNA damage caused by free radicals and diagnosing disorders like cystinuria and cancer. The C12666MA spectrometer was used in a portable fluorimeter that successfully detected cysteine concentrations down to 16.3 nM. Its high sensitivity, compact design, and rapid response time made it ideal for point-of-care diagnostics.

Water Quality & Environmental Monitoring

On-site chemical runoff detection in lakes and streams

Portable Water Color Monitoring System for Phytoplankton Bloom Measurement


Monitoring phytoplankton blooms is crucial for managing water quality, especially in areas affect by agricultural runoff. The C10988MA-01 spectrometer was used to measure the VIS-NIR absorption spectra of water samples, successfully detecting chlorophyll concentrations indicative of blooms. Its small size, high spectral resolution, and portability made it ideal for accurate, on-site water analysis.

In-field solar spectroradiometry for photovoltaics and agriculture

Possible with AGR's proprietary onboard optical calibrations and radiometric measurements 

The C12880MA guides field design/layout decisions to forecast and optimize solar energy capture.

Manufacturing & Recycling

In-line color measurement for paints, dyes, inks and coatings

Low-Cost Thickness Measurement System for Semiconductor Thin Film Coatings


Monitoring thin film thickness in semiconductor coatings is crucial for quality control. The C12880MA spectrometer performed VIS reflectometry on Si:SiO2 (silicon dioxide) samples, successfully determining coating thicknesses of 476.3 nm and 198.7 nm with high precision. Its compact size, high spectral resolution, and low-cost integration made it ideal for real-time, non-destructive thickness measurements in industrial settings. Our C16767MA ultraviolet (UV) spectrometer is useful in similar semiconductor applications.

In-line petrochemical composition for the production and recycling of plastics, textiles, crude oil

High Temperature Fluorescence Probe for Oilfield Applications


Targeting reserves with favorable fluid properties is essential for increasing profitability for oil companies. The C12880MA spectrometer was used in a fluorescence probe to measure spectral emissions of crude oils at 405 nm excitation, successfully determining API gravity (a standard measure of density) and chemical composition. Its high sensitivity, compact design, and ability to operate under extreme conditions made it uniquely suited for this application. Our C14272, C13272-03, C14273 short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectrometers are useful in similar applications.

Aerospace

Spectroradiometry for atmospheric observation, surface analysis and instrument calibration

Spectroradiometer Installed on ESA ExoMars Mission Payload

 

This study details the use of mini-spectrometers for planetary exploration in the ESA’s ExoMars Solar Irradiance Sensor (SIS). The C12880MA spectrometer was designed into a payload for the measurement of solar irradiance and assessment of dust, clouds, and gases in the Martian atmosphere. Its compact size, high sensitivity, and robustness in extreme temperatures made the C12880MA an ideal choice for space-based detection.

Combustion and temperature analysis to monitor real-time engine performance

In-Situ Optical Measurements of Solid and Hybrid-Propellant Combustion Plumes

Monitoring combustion plumes in rocket engines is crucial for optimizing propulsion systems. The C11708MA spectrometer was used to measure the NIR spectra of combustion plumes during hot-fire tests, successfully identifying flame temperatures and emission lines of combustion species. Its compact design, high sensitivity, and ability to withstand harsh environments made it ideal for in-situ measurements in rocket plume analysis.

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