Over this past year, the influence of optics in the life sciences and medical field has come to the forefront from medical diagnosis and treatment to sanitization of masks and equipment. EPIC is an industry association that fosters the advancement of the photonics field in Europe, and many of its members offer optics solutions for the life sciences industry.

In a recent live webinar, Zemax CTO, Sanjay Gangadhara and EPIC Director of Technology and Innovation, Jose Pozo discussed innovations and trends in the life sciences industry and the role optics plays in furthering the advancement of the field. This exciting and energetic discussion touched on how COVID-19 and the global pandemic were a catalyst for innovation in optics technology to help with the prevention and treatment of the virus.

Working together to improve global health

The use of optics and photonics in life sciences is not new, but recent events have brought to light how when the two fields come together, the ability to improve the quality of all our lives grows tenfold. Jose and Sanjay discussed some of the interesting innovations that have come out of the pandemic include the use of UV-C lighting to not only decontaminate masks and medical equipment, but also to decontaminate passenger train cars and purify water. In addition, the use of infrared technology has become a popular way to read body temperature on a grander scale.

In the past, the use of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for life science and medical applications has been slowed by high costs. But increased demand for these products driven by the global pandemic has resulted in driving prices down. Regulations and slow government processes have also been a barrier to getting medical innovations to market. EPIC is dedicated to helping break these barriers and has worked with EU government agencies to speed up processes to bring vital life sciences technologies to the world quicker.

The game-changing technology for faster diagnosis

The use of optics and photonics in life sciences is not new, but recent events have brought to light how when the two fields come together, the ability to improve the quality of all our lives grows tenfold. Jose and Sanjay discussed some of the interesting innovations that have come out of the pandemic include the use of UV-C lighting to not only decontaminate masks and medical equipment, but also to decontaminate passenger train cars and purify water. In addition, the use of infrared technology has become a popular way to read body temperature on a grander scale.

In the past, the use of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for life science and medical applications has been slowed by high costs. But increased demand for these products driven by the global pandemic has resulted in driving prices down. Regulations and slow government processes have also been a barrier to getting medical innovations to market. EPIC is dedicated to helping break these barriers and has worked with EU government agencies to speed up processes to bring vital life sciences technologies to the world quicker.