Juha Toivonen: Applied optics and spectroscopy as generators of new knowledge
“We are developing increasingly precise and straightforward optical measurement methods. Enhanced precision and ease of use would drive their large-scale deployment, and these technologies have the potential, for example, to shed light on industrial processes and thereby pave the way for more effective and sustainable manufacturing,” Toivonen says.
What fascinates Toivonen about optical measurement methods are the peculiar mechanisms whereby light interacts with different materials and how these interactions can be utilised to uncover information that is beyond human perception. According to Toivonen, light-molecule interactions affect the amount of light, which can then be measured to calculate the number or concentration of molecules.
“As all molecules have their own vibrational frequency, we can use different wavelengths of light to identify them.”
According to Toivonen, there is a great demand for optical molecular detection methods that generate new knowledge, and we will eventually see the widespread adoption of these technologies in different sectors of society.
“New knowledge supports evidence-based decision-making and efforts to increase effectiveness. This motivates me to continue carrying out research and developing technology. I want to contribute to the development of new detection methods that will deliver practical benefits either through Finnish industry or the public sector.”