Wave Lumina is developing a field-deployable sensor for rapid PFAS detection in water. The technology delivers parts-per-trillion sensitivity in minutes, enabling faster decisions, earlier intervention, and more effective remediation across drinking water systems, wastewater treatment, and environmental monitoring sites without the need for specialized laboratory access or training.
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Vernon LaLone
Vernon LaLone is the founder and CEO of Wave Lumina, where he is developing portable field technology for real-time PFAS detection. LaLone has over a decade of experience in analytical chemistry and Raman spectroscopy across the pharmaceutical, biochemical, and materials science sectors. Prior to Wave Lumina, LaLone was a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at Imperial College London and led research and development programs in industry, overseeing multidisciplinary teams focused on advanced analytical method development.
TECHNOLOGY
Critical Need
Millions of Americans are exposed to toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals in drinking water, yet current testing methods are slow, costly, and reliant on centralized laboratories. This causes critical delays in identifying contamination during remediation efforts, emergencies, and routine monitoring. Wave Lumina’s innovation enables field personnel and operators without specialized chemistry training to perform rapid, on-site PFAS detection in minutes. By removing the need to ship samples to external labs, the technology allows environmental professionals, municipal water utilities, and emergency responders to act quickly, protect public health, and reduce cleanup costs.
Technology Vision
Wave Lumina’s technology combines advanced Raman spectroscopy with a user-friendly interface to deliver real-time PFAS detection directly in the field. The system is designed for use by personnel on-site, enabling accurate measurements in minutes without the need for complex laboratory procedures. The technology bridges the gap between lab-grade analysis and field usability, accelerating contamination response and making routine water monitoring more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective across a wide range of environmental and public health applications.
Potential for Impact
Wave Lumina’s technology enables rapid, on-site PFAS detection across drinking water systems, wastewater treatment plants, industrial effluent discharge, and groundwater wells. By making reliable testing available on-site and in the field, it helps identify contamination sooner, reduce exposure risks, and support timely cleanup efforts. As the technology scales, it can improve how communities, utilities, and regulators manage PFAS pollution. It will increase decision-making speed, expedite remediation of contaminated water sources, and ultimately lead to more effective protection of public health and the environment.
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Wave Lumina