{"id":699094,"date":"2025-11-14T04:45:20","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T01:45:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/a-compact-space-spectrometer-for-sustainable-agriculture\/"},"modified":"2025-11-14T04:45:20","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T01:45:20","slug":"a-compact-space-spectrometer-for-sustainable-agriculture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/a-compact-space-spectrometer-for-sustainable-agriculture\/","title":{"rendered":"A compact space spectrometer for sustainable agriculture"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3292f7ba6bc\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3292f7ba6bc\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/a-compact-space-spectrometer-for-sustainable-agriculture\/#Space-ready_technology_for_agriculture\" >Space-ready technology for agriculture<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/a-compact-space-spectrometer-for-sustainable-agriculture\/#Compact_design_and_low_adjustment_effort\" >Compact design and low adjustment effort<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/a-compact-space-spectrometer-for-sustainable-agriculture\/#Hyperspectral_data_for_sustainable_decisions\" >Hyperspectral data for sustainable decisions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/a-compact-space-spectrometer-for-sustainable-agriculture\/#%E2%80%98No_residue_in_orbit\" >&#8216;No residue in orbit&#8217;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tby Sina Seidenst\u00fccker, Fraunhofer-Institut f\u00fcr Angewandte Optik und Feinmechanik IOF\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-gallery lightGallery\">\n<div data-thumb=\"https:\/\/scx1.b-cdn.net\/csz\/news\/tmb\/2025\/compact-space-spectrom.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/scx2.b-cdn.net\/gfx\/news\/hires\/2025\/compact-space-spectrom.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Integration of the test system for the Rainbow telescope. Credit: Fraunhofer IOF\">\n<figure class=\"article-img\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/scx1.b-cdn.net\/csz\/news\/800a\/2025\/compact-space-spectrom.jpg\" alt=\"Compact space spectrometer for sustainable agriculture\" title=\"Integration of the test system for the Rainbow telescope. Credit: Fraunhofer IOF\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\"\/><figcaption class=\"text-darken text-low-up text-truncate-js text-truncate mt-3\">\n                Integration of the test system for the Rainbow telescope. Credit: Fraunhofer IOF<br \/>\n            <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Researchers at Fraunhofer IOF in collaboration with Airbus have developed a hyperspectral spectrometer as part of the &#8220;Rainbow&#8221; project. The <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/technology\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"4\" title=\"Technology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">technology<\/a> enables the creation of digital field maps that can be used in agriculture as precise <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>lication maps for location-specific measures. Fraunhofer IOF will be presenting the system at the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.spacetechexpo-europe.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Space Tech Expo<\/a> in Bremen from November 18 to 20.<\/p>\n<p>How healthy is a field? How nutrient-rich is the soil? For farmers, these questions are central when it comes to the sustainable use of resources. In the future, these questions can be answered with a glance from space. The combination of Earth observation and data-based analysis is a central component of so-called smart farming, which provides precise information for automated and sustainable agriculture.<\/p>\n<p>As part of the Rainbow project, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF have developed a telescope for Earth observation that can be used to demonstrate the concept of a spectrometer-on-chip. The compact technology enables precise analysis of plant and soil conditions from space.<\/p>\n<p>The newly developed system is designed for small-batch production and achieves a spatial resolution of less than 20 meters in the spectral range between 400 and 1700 nanometers. Despite its miniaturization, the image quality remains consistently high.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Space-ready_technology_for_agriculture\"><\/span>Space-ready technology for agriculture<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The central technological approach is a spectrometer-on-chip concept. The required spectral bands are mapped 1:1 onto a gradient filter that is integrated directly in front of a detector. Compared to other concepts, the design enables efficient adaptation of the spectral channels required for the application thanks to the selectively applied filters.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The concept allows us to combine all the essential functions of a spectrometer on a single chip,&#8221; explains Lucas Zettlitzer, researcher in the Precision Optical Components and Systems Department and project manager for Rainbow at Fraunhofer IOF. &#8220;Instead of complex opto-mechanical components, optical filters select the relevant wavelengths. This results in a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective system\u2014with consistent measurement quality.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Compact_design_and_low_adjustment_effort\"><\/span>Compact design and low adjustment effort<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>At the heart of the system is a Ritchey-Chr\u00e9tien telescope, which produces particularly precise images with the aid of two aspherical mirrors. &#8220;Based on an optical design developed by Airbus, we took on the development and implementation of the telescope,&#8221; explains Zettlitzer. &#8220;Together with our colleagues at the institute, we developed the integration concept, designed the telescope, and implemented all manufacturing processes.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The specially adapted gradient filter was manufactured at the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST based on the EOSS technology developed there. This technology enables the optical properties of the filter to be adjusted precisely, allowing different wavelengths to be detected accurately.<\/p>\n<p>The researchers paid particular attention to compact design and minimal adjustment requirements\u2014both prerequisites for cost-efficient production and miniaturization. Among other things, this was based on metal optics manufactured at the institute. The system is therefore suitable for use in small satellites and allows flexible and scalable use in future space missions.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hyperspectral_data_for_sustainable_decisions\"><\/span>Hyperspectral data for sustainable decisions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The spectrometer breaks down the incoming light into narrow wavelength bands and records how strongly the different spectral ranges are reflected by plants and soils. This reveals even minimal differences in vegetation and soil structure that conventional cameras cannot detect.<\/p>\n<p>The collected data can then be processed into digital maps that reveal, for example, moisture, nutrient content, or signs of disease in plants. This enables precise and resource-efficient management of agricultural land.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%80%98No_residue_in_orbit\"><\/span>&#8216;No residue in orbit&#8217;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In addition to the benefits for agriculture, sustainability in space itself is also a challenge that Fraunhofer researchers are addressing. &#8220;With our metal-optical systems for space, such as here in the Rainbow project, we are supporting the efforts of the European Union and ESA to avoid creating additional space debris,&#8221; explains Lucas Zettlitzer. &#8220;Our optics burn up completely upon re-entry and leave no residue in orbit.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"d-inline-block text-medium mt-4\">\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tProvided by<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFraunhofer-Institut f\u00fcr Angewandte Optik und Feinmechanik IOF\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- print only --><\/p>\n<div class=\"d-none d-print-block\">\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Citation<\/strong>:<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA compact space spectrometer for sustainable agriculture (2025, November 13)<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tretrieved 13 November 2025<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tfrom https:\/\/phys.org\/<a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/news\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"2\" title=\"News\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">news<\/a>\/2025-11-compact-space-spectrometer-sustainable-agriculture.html\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n<p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script id=\"facebook-jssdk\" async=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/sdk.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMN63nwsw68G3Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more Like this articles, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/sciencee\/\" target=\"_blank\" >Science category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2025-11-compact-space-spectrometer-sustainable-agriculture.html\" target=\"_blank\" >Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>by Sina Seidenst\u00fccker, Fraunhofer-Institut f\u00fcr Angewandte Optik und Feinmechanik IOF Integration of the test system for the Rainbow telescope. Credit: Fraunhofer IOF Researchers at Fraunhofer IOF in collaboration with Airbus have developed a hyperspectral spectrometer as part of the &#8220;Rainbow&#8221; project. The technology enables the creation of digital field maps that can be used in&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":699095,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/scx2.b-cdn.net\/gfx\/news\/hires\/2025\/compact-space-spectrom.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-699094","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sciencee"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/699094","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=699094"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/699094\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/699095"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=699094"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=699094"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=699094"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}