Summary of the impact

Research on the spectroscopy of materials conducted by Prof. Dunstan has led to novel innovations for the Renishaw Raman microscope that have been patented and marketed by Renishaw plc, a UK-based global instrumentation company, as part of their inVia microscope range in the form of the NeXT filter. These innovations have provided the company with significant commercial advantage over their competitors and allowed the pharmaceuticals industry to develop applications for this technology in the areas of amorphous drugs, stability testing and polymorph screening. Dunstan's spectroscopy research has also enabled him to work with Absolute Action Ltd, a company which provides bespoke lighting systems for museums, galleries, public spaces and homes. The commercial value of contracts won by Absolute Action between 2008/13 that relied on Dunstan's technical innovations is estimated to be £1m. Dunstan designed the lighting technology for the Hope Diamond displayed in the Smithsonian Institution (USA), the Memorial to Japanese-American Patriotism (USA), and the gemstone collection in the Natural History Museum (UK). These lighting systems have enhanced the viewing experience of the public and attracted new visitors to the museums throughout the REF assessment period.

Summary of the impact

Techniques that can produce detailed chemical information rapidly and non-destructively for many forensic applications have been developed by Queen's University Belfast based on Raman analysis. The techniques have been adopted by the Forensic Science laboratory in Northern Ireland (FSNI) to trace the source of seized drugs, identify novel psychoactive substances ("legal highs") and study paint evidence. More than 2000 cases of supply/possession of ecstasy drugs, 947 paint casework samples and 100 'legal highs' have been analysed. Other law enforcement agencies are now adopting the methods developed at Queen's.

Summary of the impact

Research at the Interface Analysis Centre (IAC) has made innovative analysis products available in a wide range of industries and research fields.

• The design of a novel SEM-Raman instrument has resulted in multi-million pound sales for Renishaw PLC.
• Rolls-Royce PLC has commissioned and used bespoke instruments and non destructive examinations to maintain its competitive advantage and is modifying its technical processes to incorporate these into its standard manufacturing and maintenance procedures.
• In healthcare, work on Raman probes for cancer detection has influenced support of innovation in the NHS.
• Two companies have been formed to develop and market computer control and data acquisition and analysis systems conceived in the course of this work.

Summary of the impact

The Department of Chemistry at UCL has pioneered the use of Raman spectroscopy (RS) for the identification of pigments in and the in situ examination of objects that are of artistic, cultural, or historical importance. Until recently this was a relatively unknown and rarely used technique in heritage science. RS is now used regularly by conservators worldwide and has become an important analysis tool in museums and libraries including the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Collaboration between the British Library and UCL was highlighted by the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, helping to promote further collaboration between universities and museums. The use of RS in heritage science has also benefited manufacturers of RS equipment, and has led to enhanced understanding of the histories and care requirements of a wide range of artefacts.