Optical sensors in focus

The next meeting of the Gas Analysis and Sensing Group ‘Light Matters - Optical Sensing of Gases & Particles’ will be held on Thursday 25th June at the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford.

Optical sensors have a vital role in a wide range of gas, VOC and particle measurements. Speakers include experts in the use of such sensors in many different applications who will describe the challenges of operating in difficult environments and how these can be successfully mitigated. 

We will also hear from specialists undertaking cutting edge research and development in the field. Up-to-date details of the programme are available on the GASG website, so reserve the date for what promises to be a fascinating and informative meeting.

This follows the recent GASG event ‘Something In The Air - Atmospheric & Environmental Monitoring’ which was held on 23rd April 2026 at the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge. Delegates were treated to a programme of eight talks from renowned international experts describing the latest developments in a wide range of atmospheric and environmental monitoring applications. These ranged from measurements of ultrafine airborne particles around Heathrow airport to the investigation of sites providing analogue atmospheres for spaceflight applications and the sensing of radicals active in critical atmospheric chemical processes. The vital importance and practical realisation of traceability and standards in gas measurements was also discussed. A second session featured several talks on small-form sensors and the various ways in which their capabilities are being enhanced to provide the performance demanded by customers and legislators in a wide range of applications. The growing use of AI to facilitate statistical analysis of data was also discussed, providing the basis for some lively discussion.

The event was very well attended and, as is traditional in GASG meetings, there were ample opportunities for interaction with speakers and fellow delegates from varied disciplines. Members can obtain further details of the presentations via the GASG newsletter and website.