FAQ

General Information

1. What is Unknown Labs?
Unknown Labs is a company that provides advanced spectrometry solutions, combining custom hardware, AI-powered software, and cloud integration to simplify material identification across various industries.

2. Where is Unknown Labs located?
Unknown Labs S.à r.l. is based in Luxembourg, with its address at 5 Rue de l'Industrie, 1811 Gare, Luxembourg.

3. What industries does Unknown Labs serve?
Unknown Labs serves a wide range of industries, including gemology, environmental science, agriculture, food and beverage, and more, by providing tailored spectrometry solutions.
You can reach Unknown Labs via email at support@theunknownlabs.com or through the contact form on their website. The Unknown Labs

5. What is the mission of Unknown Labs?
Unknown Labs aims to simplify material identification processes by providing integrated spectrometry solutions that are accessible, efficient, and reliable.

Products and Services

6. What types of spectrometry does Unknown Labs support?
Unknown Labs supports various spectrometry types, including Raman, FTIR, UV-VIS, XRF, and more, catering to diverse analytical needs.

7. Does Unknown Labs offer custom hardware solutions?
Yes, Unknown Labs designs custom hardware tailored to specific use cases, ranging from handheld devices for field testing to advanced lab systems for complex tasks. The Unknown Labs+1The

8. What is the Unknown ID platform?
Unknown ID is a cloud-connected spectrometry platform developed by Unknown Labs to streamline and centralize workflows, allowing users to connect and analyze spectrometer data from anywhere.

9. Can Unknown Labs' software integrate with existing spectrometers?
Yes, their software is designed to connect with any spectrometer or analytical machine, enabling real-time data collection and analysis.

10. What is the Dark Matter series control system?
The Dark Matter series is Unknown Labs' proprietary control system integrated into their custom-designed PCBs, providing stable power distribution, modulation, and synchronization for advanced material identification tasks.

Software Features

11. What are the key features of Unknown Labs' software?
Key features include real-time spectral display, multi-spectrum overlay, peak range analysis, sample comparison, and advanced identification tools, all accessible through a cloud-connected interface.

12. Does the software support remote instrument control?
Yes, users can access and control instruments across different geographies from a single secure platform.

13. Can I upload and analyze my spectral data online?
Absolutely. Unknown Labs' cloud-based system allows users to upload, process, and analyze spectral data from any supported device without the need for software installation.

14. Is there a beginner mode in the software?
Yes, the software offers a beginner mode with one-click scans, guided workflows, and peak assistance, making it accessible for users without a scientific background.

15. What is the 'Go I No' feature?
'Go I No' is a feature designed for speed and simplicity, providing instant insights and clear go/no-go decisions, ideal for lab use, factory floors, or field operations.

Hardware Solutions

16. What is the Gem Machine?
The Gem Machine is a desktop gem identification system that combines advanced technology with user-friendly features, capable of identifying various gemstones and detecting treatments or synthetic origins.

17. Can the Gem Machine detect synthetic or treated gemstones?
Yes, it can detect synthetic spinel, heat-treated stones, and differentiate between natural and synthetic gems.

18. Is the Gem Machine portable?
While designed as a desktop unit, it offers optional battery packs for on-the-go operations, making it versatile for different settings.

19. What user interfaces are available for the Gem Machine?
The Gem Machine offers both beginner and expert modes, catering to users of all experience levels with tailored analysis tools.

20. What types of gemstones can the Gem Machine identify?
It can identify a wide range of gemstones, including Tourmaline, Tsavorite, Musgravite, Taffeite, Spinel, Chrysoberyl, Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Garnet, and Jade, among others.

Applications and Use Cases

21. How does Unknown Labs support controlled substance testing?
Unknown Labs provides portable devices and cloud solutions for real-time cannabis testing, allowing users to test for THC/CBD content, adulterants, and contaminants at the point of use.

22. Can the system be used in sustainability initiatives?
Yes, Unknown Labs uses advanced spectroscopy to fingerprint cocoa beans, aiding in verifying geographical markers and ensuring ethical sourcing in supply chains.

23. Is the platform suitable for academic collaboration?
Absolutely. Unknown Labs' cloud platform enables students and researchers to upload, process, and analyze spectral data collaboratively, facilitating reproducible workflows and global collaboration.

24. How does Unknown Labs assist in wine and spirits authentication?
Their spectrometry solutions can analyze and verify the authenticity of wine and spirits, ensuring product integrity over time.

25. Can the system detect dangerous materials?
Yes, Unknown Labs' tools can identify dangerous materials, providing instant chemical readings and alerts for unknowns, mismatches, or contaminants.

Technical Support and Integration

26. Does Unknown Labs offer technical support?
Yes, they provide support through their contact channels, assisting with software, hardware, and integration queries.

27. Can the software be integrated into existing workflows?
Yes, the software is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing workflows, including compatibility with PLCs and automation systems.

28. Is there a local installation option for the software?
Yes, Unknown Labs offers both cloud-based and local server installations to suit different operational needs.

29. What file formats are supported for data upload?
The platform supports various file formats, allowing users to upload, view, manipulate, and convert several formats for analysis.

30. How secure is the data stored on Unknown Labs' platform?
Data is processed and stored in Luxembourg, adhering to high-security standards preferred by major financial institutions and banks.

Collaboration and Community

31. How does Unknown Labs facilitate collaboration among researchers?
Their cloud platform allows for real-time data sharing, annotation, and comparison, enabling collaborative research across different institutions and disciplines.

32. Can I create a custom library of spectral data?
Yes, users can upload and manage their own private libraries, keeping track of data and ensuring personalized analysis.

33. Are there online databases integrated into the platform?
Yes, the platform allows comparison against established libraries such as RRUFF and IRUG, enhancing material identification capabilities.

34. Is the platform accessible on mobile devices?
Yes, Unknown Labs' platform is accessible on tablets, smartphones, and computers, providing flexibility in data analysis.

35. How does the system ensure data reproducibility?
By standardizing data formats and providing tools for annotation and versioning.

36. What is the Unknown Cloud?
The Unknown Cloud is a centralized platform that allows users to upload, process, and analyze spectral data from any supported device. It provides version control, spectral overlays, peak detection, and secure collaboration across teams.

37. What devices are compatible with the Unknown ID platform?
Unknown ID is compatible with spectrometers from Avantes, Ocean Insight, Agilent, StellarNet, and custom Unknown Labs hardware, including Raman, FTIR, UV-VIS-NIR, and XRF modules.

38. Can I use my own spectrometer with your software?
Yes. As long as the device outputs a compatible file format or has a controllable API/driver, it can be integrated with the Unknown Labs platform.

39. Is there a license fee for the Unknown ID software?
Unknown ID is available in multiple tiers: Cloud (pay-per-use), Advanced (subscription), and Custom (enterprise license). Pricing depends on features, integrations, and data storage needs.

40. Does Unknown Labs support OEM partnerships?
Yes, OEM partners can integrate Unknown Labs software directly into their devices. Custom-branded interfaces and data pipelines are available for manufacturers.

41. Can I track changes in materials over time?
Yes. With continuous uploads and smart pattern recognition, the platform can flag deviations and trends in spectral signatures over time (e.g., for wine aging, gemstone monitoring, or chemical degradation).

42. Is the Unknown Labs software suitable for regulatory compliance?
The system supports data logging, audit trails, and secured cloud processing—making it suitable for ISO, GMP, and GxP environments when configured correctly.

43. What data formats can the Unknown Cloud convert?
It can convert .trt, .tat, .ttt, .raw8, .procspec, .sif, .csv, .asc, .nir, .wdf, .spc, and many others into readable formats like .csv, .json, and .txt.

44. Can I export the analysis as a PDF or report?
Yes. Users can export results, overlays, and annotations into custom-formatted reports (PDF, CSV), suitable for lab notebooks or customer documentation.

45. How are updates to the software handled?
For cloud users, updates are automatic. Local installations receive updates via downloadable packages or remote support.

46. Can I request new features?
Yes. Unknown Labs encourages feature requests from users, especially OEMs and labs. Requests can be submitted through the contact portal.

47. What training is available for new users?
Onboarding packages include video tutorials, documentation, and 1-on-1 training sessions for enterprise clients.

48. How is your system different from other spectrometry software?
Unknown Labs focuses on speed, ease of use, and cross-device compatibility. It also emphasizes cloud collaboration, real-time identification, and non-scientist-friendly workflows.

49. Do you support handheld or portable devices?
Yes. The platform supports handheld Raman, UV-VIS, and LIBS units, and even enables real-time upload from battery-powered field devices.

50. Can I use Unknown Labs tools in developing countries or low-connectivity areas?
Yes. Devices can store data locally and sync to the cloud later. Offline use is supported with periodic updates and batch upload options.