Combating Adulteration and Counterfeiting with Hyperspectral SWIR Imaging

Adulteration and counterfeiting are pervasive issues that threaten consumer safety and economic stability, prompting the development of advanced analytical techniques. Hyperspectral imaging and deep learning algorithms can detect subtle differences in material composition and structure which is key to uncovering fraudulent produce.

This approach is especially effective in the food industry, where the adulteration of premium products like Manuka honey and high-value herbs can be uncovered by analyzing chemical signatures and textural anomalies that betray their authenticity. In this presentation, we will highlight how hyperspectral SWIR line lights can be paired with a hyperspectral camera to combat counterfeiting and ensure consumers are getting exactly what they are paying for. The talk will also highlight the benefits of an LED-based hyperspectral illuminator over a traditional fluorescent bulb-based system and how despite a higher up-front investment, the cost of ownership over the lifetime of the product is lower for LED-based systems.

About the presenter
Fabien Dubois, Ph.D., is an applications engineer at ProPhotonix, a LED light and laser diode module manufacturer of machine vision lighting systems worldwide. Based at the company’s LED manufacturing facility in Cork, Ireland, he plays a key role in supporting the sales team by providing expert guidance on lighting solutions tailored to customer applications. He works closely with end-users, drawing on his deep knowledge of physics and machine vision to recommend optimal LED systems that meet specific technical and commercial requirements. Dubios holds a doctorate in photonics from the Tyndall National Institute in Cork, where he developed advanced skills in optical technologies. Prior to joining ProPhotonix, he gained valuable industry experience working at FoodMarble Digestive Health in the medical device sector and at Tomra, a leader in sensor-based food sorting systems. His diverse background in both research and applied engineering enables him to bridge the gap between product development and customer needs, delivering high-performance solutions across industries.