Real-time, in-line powder identification usually means a trade-off between speed and accuracy. We proved it doesn't have to.

We recently teamed up with our Nynomic Group partner, m-u-t GmbH, to release a joint Application Note. The goal was simple: build a compact, field-ready NIR setup capable of analyzing complex organics directly in the bulk material, without pulling samples.

Here is the exact hardware stack we used to make it happen:

• NIR Diffuse-Reflection Fiber Probe: Because industrial process lines are brutal, our AP12353 probe features a 12 mm Hastelloy C22 shaft and a rugged sapphire window.
• Optimized Optical Design: A 19-to-1 fiber arrangement specifically designed to keep stray light to an absolute minimum, ensuring you get a clean, reliable optical signal.
• The Spectrometer: m-u-t’s ultra-compact NIRONE S2.0 Fabry-Pérot spectrometer, covering the 1550-1950 nm wavelength range.
• The Light Source: A broadband tungsten-halogen lamp provided by Thorlabs.

The spectral data from materials like soy protein, lactose, and acetylsalicylic acid was so clean and reproducible that we tied the classification model directly to a smartphone app for real-time readouts.

You can read the full Application Note and check out the PCA scores via the link:

Identification of Powders by m-u-t Spectrometer and art photonics Probe

Even better, come talk hardware with us next week at Analytica 2026. We are sharing a booth with m-u-t GmbH and our sister company Avantes, so you can connect with multiple Nynomic Group experts in one place.

• Where: Messe München | Munich, Germany
• When: 24 – 27 March 2026
• Find us at: Booth A3.401

Today, we celebrate International Women's Day by recognizing the brilliance, innovation, and courage of women who continually push the boundaries of science.

The field of photonics is built upon deeply impressive contributions from female scientists. From Maria Goeppert Mayer laying the foundational work for multiphoton absorption to Donna Strickland's Nobel Prize-winning breakthroughs in laser technology, these minds serve as a constant reminder of the power of scientific excellence.

At art photonics GmbH, this same commitment, curiosity, and courage drive our daily work. As we tackle demanding technological challenges, we recognize that true innovation fundamentally relies on diversity, a wealth of perspectives, and equal opportunities. Our success is built on a team that values intelligence, forward-thinking, and the courage to break new ground.

This focus on collaboration and team spirit brings us to a double celebration today. In addition to marking International Women's Day, we are also wishing a very Happy Birthday to our colleague, Albert Sandt. It is a wonderful opportunity to recognize both the global impact of women in our industry and the individuals who make our own workplace so strong.

Here is to celebrating great minds and breaking new ground together.

The optimal choice of a spectral reference is important for building accurate calibration models. In our latest publication of Application Notes, art photonics explores the practical differences between using air and water as references in the quantitative analysis of liquid solutions.

NIR-spectroscopy is widely used for quantitative analysis of solid and liquid samples. When measuring liquid solutions in transmission or transflection geometry using a fiber optic probe, air and water (or another solvent) are the two commonly used reference samples. Both substances are widely available and reproducible in terms of their spectral properties.

To determine how each reference impacts calibration models, we conducted an experimental study using a designed set of 25 samples of a ternary aqueous mixture of ethanol and methanol. Measurements were performed in the 930-1720 nm range using an art photonics Transflection Fiber Probe coupled with a Broadcom Qneo spectrometer.

Key Findings from the Study

• The Air Reference Workflow: Air can be preferred as a reference for its experimental simplicity. However, raw spectra are dominated by the strong signal of water. To build reliable partial least-squares (PLS) regression models, the data typically requires preprocessing - such as first or second derivatives by the Savitzky-Golay algorithm - to emphasize the vibration overtones of the alcohols.
  
• The Water Reference Workflow: When water is used as a reference sample, the resulting spectra tend to be strongly distorted due to the presence of negative peaks (in place of the water signals). Although this makes the spectra less interpretable, their information content remains high, and their suitability for quantitative analysis is not impaired.
  
• Impact on Data Analysis: Using the water sample spectrum as a reference measurement enables accurate prediction of the two alcohols under study without data preprocessing and with a lower number of latent variables. This results in a simpler, and hence, more reliable calibration model.

Conclusion

Both air and water can be successfully used for reference analysis in the analysis of aqueous solutions. While air offers experimental simplicity, using water as a reference simplifies data analysis by avoiding the spectral preprocessing step, which is required for air-based measurements.

Read the full methodology, view the raw and preprocessed spectra, and analyze the cross-validation statistics.

In the high-stakes environment of complex chemical processing, the ability to distinguish and quantify components like ethanol and methanol in real-time is often the deciding factor between a strictly controlled reaction and an off-spec batch.

Traditionally, operators have relied on manual extraction for laboratory analysis. However, this method introduces significant delays and safety risks that modern industry can no longer afford. When you are reacting to problems identified in a lab report hours later, you are not preventing them—you are merely managing the damage.

The Solution: Mid-IR Spectroscopy with Fiber Optic ATR Probes

How do you achieve laboratory-grade precision directly within the process line, without ever extracting a sample?

One of the most effective solutions lies in Mid-IR spectroscopy, utilizing advanced Fiber Optic ATR (Attenuated Total Reflection) Probes. By leveraging Art Photonics’ proprietary Polycrystalline Infrared (PIR) and Chalcogenide Infrared (CIR) fibers, these probes extend the reach of Mid-Infrared spectroscopy directly into the reaction vessel or flow line.

Key Advantages for Industrial Application

Implementing this technology facilitates a shift from reactive analysis to proactive process control:

• Remote Sensing: Measurements are performed remotely from the spectrometer. This keeps sensitive (and expensive) analytical equipment safe, even while the probe is immersed in aggressive chemical environments.
• Sampling-Free Analysis: By measuring directly in the line, you eliminate the need for manual sample extraction. This ensures a continuous, automated data flow and significantly reduces operator exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Real-Time Process Control: Operators receive immediate feedback on component concentrations. This allows for instant adjustments to process parameters to maintain product integrity and consistency.

Featured Application: Ethanol & Methanol Analysis

Our latest application note details the performance of these MIR ATR probes in the simultaneous analysis of ethanol and methanol mixtures. The study demonstrates that despite the chemical similarities between these alcohols, Art Photonics’ PIR and CIR probes provide robust, highly accurate differentiation.

The resulting data confirms that this method delivers the precision required for demanding industrial applications, making it a viable replacement for traditional offline chromatography.

Is your process ready for the shift to continuous in-line monitoring?

To learn more about the technical specifications and to see the data firsthand, we invite you to read the full documentation.

Moving Beyond the Bench: In-Line FTIR Monitoring with ATR Probes

For decades, Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) has been a standard technique for FTIR spectroscopy. However, most users are restricted to standard ATR inserts or benchtop accessories. While effective for static lab samples, these setups introduce a critical bottleneck: the sample must be extracted from the reactor and brought to the instrument.

At art photonics, we eliminate this limitation. We enable you to measure ATR spectra directly inside your solution.

The Difference Between ATR Inserts and ATR Probes

Standard inserts require a controlled laboratory environment. In contrast, art photonics ATR Probes are flexible, fiber-optic-based devices designed to bridge the gap between your spectrometer and your process line.

By immersing the probe tip directly into the reaction vessel or flow line, you achieve:

• Real-Time Kinetics: Monitor reaction progress as it happens, without the time lag of sampling loops.
• Process Safety: Eliminate the risk of handling hazardous or toxic samples manually.
• Closed-Loop Control: Feed spectral data directly into your process control system (PAT) for immediate adjustments.

Engineered for Harsh Environments

A common misconception is that fiber optic probes are fragile. Our ATR probes are engineered specifically for industrial robustness. Unlike standard inserts, our probes are built to withstand:

• High Temperatures: Operable in extreme thermal conditions typical of chemical synthesis.
• High Pressures: Designed for high-pressure reactors and flow cells.
• Chemically Aggressive Media: Shaft materials and sealing technologies selected to resist corrosion in harsh solvents.

Watch: Real-Time Monitoring in Action

To demonstrate the capability of in-line measurement, we connected our ATR Probe to a portable FTIR spectrophotometer. In the video below, you can see the dissolution kinetics of sugar in water measured in real-time. This simple setup mirrors complex industrial crystallization or dissolution processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ATR Probe?
An ATR Probe is a fiber-optic sensor that allows for the in-situ measurement of FTIR spectra by bringing the infrared light to the sample, rather than the sample to the instrument.

Can art photonics probes handle high pressure?
Yes. Our probes are designed for harsh environments, including increased pressures and temperatures found in industrial chemical processes.

Is it possible to measure FTIR spectra in solution without sampling?
Yes. Using an in-line ATR probe allows for direct immersion in the solution, enabling continuous, real-time monitoring without extraction.

Conclusion

Don't let sampling delays compromise your data. Explore how art photonics technology can bring your analytics directly into the process stream.

If you look closely at our holiday card this year, you might notice a familiar tool in an unfamiliar setting. Yes, that is one of our probes in the wine glass! It is a little nod to who we are: even when we are celebrating, we never stop thinking about the science that brings us together.

As we get ready to close the door on 2025, we wanted to send a personal note of thanks. This past year has been filled with exciting developments, but the highlight—as always—has been the people we work with.

Thank you for trusting us with your challenges and for the wonderful collaboration. Whether we were solving complex problems or brainstorming new ideas, working with you has made this year truly memorable.

We are heading into 2026 with a lot of optimism. We are ready to recharge over the break and come back fresh, eager to embrace new opportunities and start exciting new projects with you.

Enjoy the festive season, relax, and here is to a healthy, happy New Year!

Warmest wishes,

The art photonics Team

Believe it or not, Christmas 2025 is fast approaching. For many, the holiday season is synonymous with traditional markets and the comfort of a hot cup of mulled wine. However, there is a genuine scientific reason why you should never let your Glühwein boil, and it goes beyond simple culinary advice.

In our latest Application Note, we decided to take a festive approach to Process Analytics. Using our fiber-based MIR spectroscopy probes , we conducted an experiment to observe exactly what happens chemically when mulled wine is heated, providing a clear visual representation of why temperature control is critical.

The Secret to the Perfect Cup

Our experiment highlighted two distinct outcomes based on temperature regulation:

1. The Sweet Spot (72°C – 73°C) This is not an arbitrary range. According to gastronomy rules, the optimal drinking temperature for mulled wine sits between 72°C and 73°C. At this specific thermal point, the aromas develop most effectively, yet the liquid remains just below the boiling point of ethanol. This ensures the flavor profile is maximized without losing the alcohol content that defines the beverage.

2. The Overheated Result (90°C) To demonstrate the risks of overheating, we pushed the temperature of the sample up to 90°C and maintained it for approximately two hours. Continuous monitoring with our Diamond ATR fiber optic probe revealed that the characteristic spectral peaks of ethanol completely vanished. By the end of the experiment, the spectral signature of the "wine" had transformed to resemble that of simple grape juice, dominated entirely by sugar compounds rather than alcohol.

Real-Time Monitoring in Action

While this serves as a lighthearted seasonal example, it perfectly demonstrates the serious capabilities of fiber-coupled MIR spectroscopy. The ability to monitor thermally induced chemical changes in real-time is a powerful tool for process control.

Whether ensuring the quality of a holiday beverage or managing critical parameters in pharmaceutical and bio-fermentation processes, our Diamond ATR fiber optic probes provide the necessary in situ analysis to maintain product integrity.

We invite you to read the full details of this experiment and view the resulting spectral data in our new Application Note.

Download the Application Note below:

Is your process spectrometer giving you the full picture? For engineers working in process control and Process Analytical Technology (PAT), the quality and reliability of real-time data are paramount. While the spectrometer itself is the core of the system, its performance often hinges on a component that can be easily overlooked: the optical fiber.

The secret to accurate, repeatable measurements often lies within this critical link. Different chemical or bioprocess applications have unique demands, requiring specific fibers designed for distinct wavelength ranges, operating temperatures, and challenging environmental conditions. Selecting the wrong fiber can lead to signal loss, inaccurate readings, and ultimately, a lack of confidence in your process data.

A Guide to Specialty Fibers for Process Spectroscopy

To help you navigate these choices, art photonics has published a new Technical Note, "Optical fibers for Fiber-based Process Spectroscopy and other applications." This guide provides a clear overview of specialty optical fibers to help you match the right technology to your specific measurement needs.

Below is a brief overview of the key fiber types covered in the note:

• Silica Fibers: As the most common type of optical fiber, silica fibers are a versatile choice for many applications. They are typically divided into two main categories based on their hydroxyl group (OH) content. High-OH fibers are excellent for the UV-Vis spectrum (180 nm to 1200 nm), while low-OH fibers provide excellent transmission in the Vis-NIR range (400 nm to 2400 nm). Protective coatings like polyimide allow for operating temperatures up to +300°C, while specialized metal coatings can withstand up to +600°C in non-oxidizing atmospheres.
• Polycrystalline Infra-Red (PIR) Fibers: When your analysis moves into the mid-infrared region, PIR fibers are an ideal solution. They are particularly well-suited for creating flexible Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy probes used for real-time chemical reaction monitoring and bioprocess control.
• Hollow Waveguides (HWG): For applications requiring high-power laser delivery or transmission in the far-infrared spectrum, Hollow Waveguides offer a unique advantage. They are a perfect option for transmitting IR light in the 3 to 17 μm range, enabling advanced applications in gas sensing and other specialized spectroscopic measurements.

Find the Perfect Solution for Your Process

Choosing the right fiber is a critical step in designing a robust and reliable PAT system. By understanding the fundamentals of each fiber type, you can ensure you are getting the most accurate and valuable data possible from your process.

We encourage you to read our new Technical Note to learn more. If you have questions or a specific process challenge, our expert technical sales team is ready to help. Contact us today, and we will work with you to find the perfect fiber optic solution for your application.

We extend our sincere thanks to all who attended our recent webinar, "Selecting the Right Fiber Optic Probe for your Application." The event was met with a great response, and the insightful questions from our live attendees underscored that choosing the best tool for spectroscopic analysis remains a key challenge for many scientists and engineers.

For those who were unable to join the live session, or for attendees who wish to review the material, we are pleased to make the full recording available on-demand.

This practical guide provides a clear framework for making confident and effective decisions when analyzing a wide range of samples, including liquids, solids, and gases. The session covers:

• Probe technology and its selection: A systematic approach to matching the right probe to your specific analytical goal.
• Environmental considerations: A review of key factors for ensuring robust measurements, especially for process control in challenging environments.
• A systematic approach: Guidance on how to confidently match the right probe to your goal, ensuring data accuracy and reliability.

You can access the full recording now to master your probe selection by visiting the link below:
https://mailchi.mp/artphotonics/webinar-share

We thank all participants again for their valuable contributions. If the session sparks any questions regarding your unique process or application, please do not hesitate to reach out to our sales and technical teams. We are here to help you succeed.

What is the real cost of an off-spec batch? In many chemical processes, the precise ratio of components like methanol and ethanol can be the difference between profit and loss. Relying on slow, manual lab sampling means you are often reacting to problems long after they occur, rather than preventing them.

This is where direct, in-line process monitoring becomes essential for maintaining quality and efficiency. But how do you get accurate, real-time data from inside a reactor or pipe, especially in a demanding industrial environment?

The answer lies in robust fiber-optic probes. They act as a direct window into your process, using the power of Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to provide instant feedback on your product's composition. This technology allows you to:

• Monitor Continuously: Get a live, uninterrupted view of your mixture's composition without ever needing to pull a sample.
• Improve Process Control: Make immediate adjustments to maintain optimal conditions, ensuring consistent product quality from start to finish.
• Increase Safety and Efficiency: Eliminate the need for manual sampling, reducing operator exposure to chemicals and saving valuable time and resources.

Our new application note demonstrates this principle in action. It details how our transflection fiber probe achieves highly accurate, simultaneous determination of ethanol and methanol in an aqueous solution. The results confirm that this method is more than sufficient for the majority of practical industrial applications.

This research highlights the shift from reactive lab analysis to proactive, in-line process control. To explore the full methodology, validation statistics, and results, we invite you to read the complete Application Note.