The use of herbicides for weed control is common in agriculture for food production. However, this use is often associated with negative effects, such as a long biological life, accumulation in the environment or harmful effects on insects.
Laser systems such as the Thulium fiber laser can generate light at wavelengths in the infrared range that coincide with a strong absorption of water, an essential component of plants. The high-intensity laser light can be used to remove leaves and destroy the growth centers of plants.
Plants, animals and insects are not affected by this method and the energy can be directed very efficiently to the growth center of the weed in the early growth stage. In addition to laser treatment, the challenge is to detect the weed using spectral imaging.
Heraeus Covantics contributes to this sustainable technology by manufacturing various quartz glass products
This technology is made possible by our products. Multispectral analysis requires both optics and protective windows to cover a wide spectral range. Fused silica optical fibers are used for the transmission of the Tm laser, while high purity synthetic fused silica tubes are required for the production of the active Tm fibers in the fiber laser system.
