Scalable Development of Multispectral Imaging Technology

The human eye can sense three light components: red, green and blue, which are mixed by the brain to generate our neurological perception of colour. The eye's response to these components is very broad, however, and many different "colours" are detected identically by our eyes. For example, the many different greens seen in plants are very difficult for the human eye to distinguish.

The same is true of modern digital cameras which make very similar simplifications. Many animals, however, have very different colour perceptions and are able to use this to tell apart materials that we are unable to distinguish.

ProSpectral's mission is to capture "true" colour. Detecting the 1000s of individual colours that carry a wealth of information about the world around us. To do this we are developing TopoSpec, a handheld spectral imaging camera that allows any user to capture images which quite literally reveal an extra dimension to light. Our initial application has been in finding the lithium deposits necessary to support the next generation of electric vehicles.

In a world where global supply chains are under increasing strain from geopolitical uncertainty, the need for resource identification has never been more essential. Within the next 20-years, there will need to be a 2000-4000% increase in the mining of resources such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite\[1\]. ProSpectral is working with partners in the UK to develop technologies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of mineral exploration for globally strategic resources, whilst minimising disruption and damage to the landscape.

Like most materials, these have unique optical fingerprints that can be used for rapid identification. Possible target applications include sorting plastics for recycling, aerial analysis of agricultural health, cancer detection and mineral identification.

ProSpectral wants to explore these different markets to ensure that TopoSpec is useable in as wide a range of applications as possible. We aim to scale the manufacture of our product while ensuring a net zero carbon cost. To do this we will analyse the complex supply chains and identify robust routes that are tolerant in a fast-moving and unstable environment, whilst allowing continued innovation to help more industries to maximise their efficiency.

By building relationships and routes to market in a range of sectors, we provide a robust and sustainable platform for short and long-term growth.

\[1\]https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/metals-and-mining/our-insights/lithium-mining-how-new-production-technologies-could-fuel-the-global-ev-revolution