Abstract: The present disclosure provides a detection system for detecting matter and distinguishing specific matter from other matter. The detection system comprises at least one light source arranged to emit one or more light beams having a known wavelength or wavelength range. Further, the detection system comprises at least one optical element configured to direct the one or more light beams onto a plurality of locations within an area of interest including the matter. The detection system also comprises a detector for detecting intensities of the one or more light beams reflected at the plurality of locations within the area of interest including the matter. In addition, the detection system comprises an outcome determination system. The system is arranged to obtain information indicative of at least a portion of a shape of at least some of the matter based on detected light intensities of the one or more light beams reflected at the plurality of locations.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical device for selecting specific matter, such as plant matter. The device comprises a light source for emitting light having at least (3) wavelengths and for generating a combined beam of light having the at least 3 wavelengths. The device further comprises an optical element for directing a plurality of light beams towards matter including the specific matter. The optical element has first surface portions through which in use the plurality of component light beams are directed to the matter including the specific matter. Each component light beam is directed through a respective first surface portion that has an optical property that is selected so that light intensity differences between the component light beams are reduced.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical device for selecting specific matter, such as plant matter. The device comprises a light source for emitting light having at least (3) wavelengths and for generating a combined beam of light having the at least 3 wavelengths. The device further comprises an optical element for directing a plurality of light beams towards matter including the specific matter. The optical element has first surface portions through which in use the plurality of component light beams are directed to the matter including the specific matter. Each component light beam is directed through a respective first surface portion that has an optical property that is selected so that light intensity differences between the component light beams are reduced.

Abstract: A sensing system comprises a light source having three or more distinct wavelengths for illuminating a plurality of distinct areas in a field of view, a sensor for measuring the reflectance of the distinct areas at each of the distinct wavelengths, and an identifier for identifying at least one object in the field of view from the measured reflectance at each of the wavelengths.