TT Electronics’ OPTEK optoelectronic components have been highlighted in a recent study published by the International Measurement Confederation (IMEKO), showcasing their role in supporting research on marine and freshwater species. The paper includes a contribution from Nicola Cosmar, Business Development Engineer at TT Electronics, who represented the OPTEK product line throughout the project.
The research focuses on developing a cost-effective, highly sensitive system to monitor the locomotor activity of small aquatic animals, including Melibe viridis and Typhlocaris salentina. By integrating OPTEK infrared VCSEL lasers and NPN phototransistors into a modular, Raspberry Pi–based setup, the team created an infrared detection system capable of tracking even subtle movements within laboratory aquaria. The compact design allows for flexibility in experimental setups and makes long-term monitoring more accessible to researchers.
The study highlights the precision and reliability of OPTEK components. The narrow optical angles of the infrared VCSEL lasers, paired with the sensitivity of the NPN phototransistors, provide the accuracy needed to detect minute movements, which is essential for behavioural and chronobiological studies. This demonstrates how commercially available components from TT Electronics can be effectively used in scientific research, extending their impact beyond industrial applications.
In addition to supporting detailed behavioural monitoring, the research showcases the versatility of TT Electronics’ optoelectronic solutions. By enabling precise data collection in environmental and biological studies, these components help scientists gain insights into animal behaviour patterns and circadian rhythms, contributing to broader ecological and environmental research efforts.
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This publication serves as an example of how TT Electronics technology is not only used in industry but also plays a role in advancing scientific understanding, providing tools that researchers worldwide can rely on for accurate and reproducible measurements.
Read the full study here: IMEKO Journal
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