Scientists working on the Euro 1million KETmaritime project, of which Marine South East is a partner, have released a detailed report on the potential of 'Photonic Marine Applications' which has been produced by project partner AIMEN.

The report reveals new boundaries broken in marine laser development which can enhance the detection of underwater objects including submarines and archaeological sites.

The study of 'photonics' seeks to generate, control and detect photons - an elementary particle of light carrying energy. It can be used to concentrate beams for cutting and welding as well as 3D scanning and surgical applications, through to more 'ordinary' applications, such as presence detection for door control, bar code scanning and printers.

The project has highlighted that the maritime sector will greatly benefit from a broad variety of applications of photonic devices including Structural Health Monitoring of marine assets, as well as Virtual and Augmented Reality across shipbuilding. It will also play a particularly important role in the development of detection and recognition systems applicable to areas including navigation, tracking of objects and masses at sea and maritime rescue.

The KETmaritime project is funded by the Interreg Atlantic Area Program, via the European Regional Development Fund.

The consortium includes French multidisciplinary research laboratory CIMAP (CEA group), Portuguese maritime economic cluster Forum Oceano and Spanish industrial design centre IDONIAL. Ireland's national centre for marine and renewable energy MaREI and UK marine cluster organisation Marine South East are delivering further support, alongside Spanish non-profit research association AIMEN.

To download the complete KETmaritime case study report on 'Photonic Marine Applications' click on the following link http://www.ketmaritime.eu/media

For more information on the KETmaritime project visit the website http://www.ketmaritime.eu phone +351 253 140 112 or email Ana Vila on Ana.Vila@inl.int