Smart Sensing with Light: from Photons to Information

Date and Time: May 16th, 14:00-18:20

Light is everywhere in our lives, but, despite of its ubiquitous nature, we are often unaware of the crucial role it plays in our daily lives. From well-stablished optical communication systems, photographic and video sensors, to the latest developments in the very diverse fields of optical sensing, light is a fundamental transversal component. In this event we aim to raise awareness of the importance of light for the society by reviewing a set of high-impact active research fields in optical sensing. The overarching idea is the conversion of photons into high-level information, of paramount importance in a variety of application fields, ranging from medical and health monitoring to Earth Observation (EO), autonomous driving, 3D modelling and scene understanding, safety and security, chemical sensing, etc., to cite a few. In this event we will go together with researchers in the relevant fields through a journey that will unveil, for instance, current trends on how scattered photons are converted into a 3D representation of the environment, how lamps can substitute current WiFi networks, how the latter break-through paves the way for ubiquitous and passive 3D sensing, how light can sense our heartbeat or respiration rate, how photons can interrogate the chemical composition of exhaust gases, or how occlusion of light by clouds can be bypassed in EO.

Our programme is composed by 11 short contributions of researchers, with formats that range from interactive live demonstrations to inspiring talks. Each intervention is 15 minutes long and is followed by 5 minutes of questions. Two 20-minute breaks will allow for open discussions between the attendees and the speakers. Join us on May 16th to celebrate light together!

ZOOM Link to the Event:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://uni-siegen.zoom.us/j/95420899276
Meeting ID: 954 2089 9276