Case Studies

Modern technology is producing increasingly complex devices containing hundreds of components, often fabricated by different techniques. These products may also be composed of multiple layers of different materials with nanometre-sized features, each requiring precise positioning for reliable performance. To ensure these device...

The European Commission has identified optics as a ‘key enabling technology’ essential for supporting a wide range of advanced research and cutting-edge technical industries. ICT and healthcare applications are amongst those requiring more sensitive light measurements as existing approaches reach their physical limits. Photodio...

European industry is developing ‘high value-added manufacturing’ which uses advanced techniques to generate a wide range of products which often contain novel characteristics such as 3D architecture, smart optical films or advanced coatings. These features, along with the rapidly expanding library of materials used, have caused...

Manufacturing micro-electronics, complex coatings and operating the high energy accelerators important in producing cancer therapies or used in advanced research relies on the ability to remove all gases from evacuated systems. To achieve the low operating pressures needed, it is vital that only extremely clean materials and co...

Observations of the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and land from space are vital for climate studies. These are built into models used by climatologists to understand and predict how weather patterns are changing. International initiatives such as the Quality Assurance Framework for Earth Observation (QA4EO) are increasing this com...

In our cities, small airborne soot particles form a serious health risk, generating an estimated 492,000 premature deaths per year from respiratory and cardiovascular problems in Europe. The EU’s Air Quality Directive requires Member States to limit exposure to these particles, many of which are produced by vehicle engines. Cit...