Technology Readiness Level Research Articles

Mapping review of ‘proof-of-concept’ in mental health implementation research using the TRL framework: a need for a better focus and conceptual clarification

BackgroundProof-of-concept (PoC) development is a key step in implementation sciences. However, there is a dearth of studies in this area and the use of this term in health and social...

Experimental assessment of a heavy-duty fuel cell system in relevant operating conditions

During the past few years, the research interest in fuel cell systems (FCS) has increased significantly. Thus, this kind of powertrain is now at high Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and even starting to be commercialized. However, the currently available technology still has room for optimization. The existing bibliography shows studies mainly related to stack-level characterization or FCS studies with a poor level of detail. The present paper focuses on producing a detailed database about the performance of a specific FCS designed for heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) applications. The obtained dataset provides information about the influence of ambient conditions on the performance of the system, plus information about the anode and cathode circuits. These factors represent an important novelty with respect to other pieces of literature present in the actual research framework. Additionally, the obtained data regarding the performance of an FCS is highly significant for HDV manufacturers in the transportation sector and eases the pathway to the optimization of these technologies. The written piece of research proves the importance of studying the ambient conditions. The experimental campaign has shown that increasing relative humidity can improve the performance of the membrane up to a 2% for a 25% change in the humidity level. Additionally, the study shows the importance of implementing an appropriate supply gas strategy, both for anode and cathode, and designing the right purging mechanisms for H2 at the anode inlet. The obtained results show how there exist a relation between the optimal efficiency operating point and a H2 excess from the supply strategy.

Effect of early administration of tetracosactide on mortality and host response in critically ill patients requiring rescue surgery: a sensitivity analysis of the STOPSHOCK phase 3 randomized controlled trial

BackgroundUndifferentiated shock is recognized as a criticality state that is transitional in immune-mediated topology for casual risk of lethal microcirculatory dysfunction. This was a sensitivity analysis of a drug (tetracosactide; TCS10) targeting melanocortin receptors (MCRs) in a phase 3 randomized controlled trial to improve cardiovascular surgical rescue outcome by reversing mortality and hemostatic disorders.MethodsSensitivity analysis was based on a randomized, two-arm, multicenter, double-blind, controlled trial. The Naïve Bayes classifier was performed by density-based sensitivity index for principal strata as proportional hazard model of 30-day surgical risk mortality according to European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation inputs-outputs in 100 consecutive cases (from August to September 2013 from Emilia Romagna region, Italy). Patients included an agent-based TCS10 group (10 mg, single intravenous bolus before surgery; n = 56) and control group (n = 44) and the association with cytokines, lactate, and bleeding-blood transfusion episodes with the prior-risk log-odds for mortality rate in time-to-event was analyzed.ResultsThirty-day mortality was significantly improved in the TCS10 group vs. control group (0 vs. 8 deaths, P < 0.0001). Baseline levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and lactate were associated with bleeding episodes, independent of TCS10 treatment [odds ratio (OR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39–2.79; OR = 1.53, 95%CI 1.17–2.12; and OR = 2.92, 95%CI 1.40–6.66, respectively], while baseline level of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) was associated with lower bleeding rates in TCS10-treated patients (OR = 0.31, 95%CI 0.11–0.90, P = 0.03). For every 8 TCS10-treated patients, 1 bleeding case was avoided. Blood transfusion episodes were significantly reduced in the TCS10 group compared to the control group (OR = 0.32, 95%CI 0.14–0.73, P = 0.01). For every 4 TCS10-treated patients, 1 transfusion case was avoided.ConclusionsSensitivity index underlines the quality target product profile of TCS10 in the runway of emergency casualty care. To introduce the technology readiness level in real-life critically ill patients, further large-scale studies are required.Trial registrationEuropean Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT Number: 2007-006445-41).

Selectivity Descriptors of Methanol‐to‐Aromatics Process over 3‐Dimensional Zeolites

AbstractThe zeolite‐catalyzed methanol‐to‐aromatics (MTA) process is a promising avenue for industrial decarbonization. This process predominantly utilizes 3‐dimensional 10‐member ring (10‐MR) zeolites like ZSM‐5 and ZSM‐11, chosen for their confinement effect essential for aromatization. Current research mainly focuses on enhancing selectivity and mitigating catalyst deactivation by modulating zeolites′ physicochemical properties. Despite the potential, the MTA technology is at a low Technology Readiness Level, hindered by mechanistic complexities in achieving the desired selectivity towards liquid aromatics. To bridge this knowledge gap, this study proposes a roadmap for MTA catalysis by strategically combining controlled catalytic experiments with advanced characterization methods (including operando conditions and “mobility‐dependent” solid‐state NMR spectroscopy). It identifies the descriptor‐role of Koch‐carbonylated intermediates, longer‐chain hydrocarbons, and the zeolites′ intersectional cavities in yielding preferential liquid aromatics selectivity. Understanding these selectivity descriptors and architectural impacts is vital, potentially advancing other zeolite‐catalyzed emerging technologies.

Biomass-to-Green Hydrogen: A Review of Techno-Economic-Enviro Assessment of Various Production Methods

H2 is considered a practical substitute for fossil fuels, especially for transportation by road and air, created either from fossil fuels or through the process of electrolysis of water. Research questions were included based on numerous research and the analysis of articles. The cost analysis of H2 processes, techno-economic hurdles in commercialization, and the economic comparison of various H2-production methods were the basis for the study of papers. The current research examines the different methods of thermochemical, biological, and electrochemical processes utilized in converting biomass into hydrogen. The benefits, constraints, and significant enhancements of every procedure are outlined. The examination assesses the cost of production, the level of technology readiness, and the potential for scalability. Thermochemical techniques, such as gasification and steam reforming, are effective at producing hydrogen. Steam gasification is perfect for moist and dry biomass in the absence of an oxidizing agent. Dark fermentation is more efficient for biological conversion because it requires less energy. Moreover, the electrochemical procedure is viable for biomass. Thermochemical treatment is significantly more advanced than biological or electrochemical treatment when it comes to scaling opportunities based on comparisons of current processes. The results of this research show that biomass–hydrogen processes have the potential for increasing H2 production, but further enhancements are needed to produce larger quantities for competitiveness.

Prospective life cycle assessment of an integrated biorefinery for production of lactic acid from dairy side streams

In Ireland, the world's first-of-a-kind integrated dairy biorefinery has been developed to address waste disposal challenges in the dairy industry by converting dairy side streams into high-value biochemicals, specifically lactic acid (LA). This study aims to assess the environmental impacts of this innovative technology at a commercial scale through a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) study. Experimental data from a pilot-plant facility was scaled up to a production capacity of 20,000 tons of LA per year using SuperPro Designer®. This data was combined with information from upstream processes such as milk production, cheese production, and transport, using OpenLCA. The cradle-to-gate LCA revealed that milk production had the greatest overall impact across all categories. Enteric fermentation has the most significant impact on climate change, while fertilizer and concentrate feed production primarily contributed to non-renewable energy demand, ozone formation, human toxicity, water consumption and fossil depletion. Fertilizer application substantially influenced eutrophication, acidification and ecotoxicity indicators. However, scenario analysis showed that implementing strategies like substituting biorefinery byproducts with fossil-based products, increasing renewable energy penetration, and integrating dairy beef production could result in significant environmental savings across all impact categories. Moreover, the findings highlighted that the handling of co-products would determine the magnitude of the system's impact. This study concludes that combining process design analysis with accessible data at a higher Technology readiness level (TRL) 7 offers an opportunity to identify hotspots and recommend alternative strategies to improve the environmental sustainability of the whole system at the design stage. Additionally, this study provides valuable guidance for minimizing environmental impacts during the design phase, enabling informed investment decisions before construction. Ultimately, it plays a crucial role in establishing a circular bioeconomy within the dairy industry by effectively utilizing the side streams to produce sustainable biobased chemicals, specifically LA.

Scaling a bifunctional catalytic Fixed-Bed reactor for acetone-to-mesitylene Jet-Fuel additive production

De-fossilization of the aviation sector will require the use of renewable synthetic jet fuels and additives that comply with strict regulations. One such additive, mesitylene, can be produced using a novel sustainable process based on the fermentation of biomass waste to acetone, followed by the self-condensation of acetone to mesitylene. This study addresses the viability of gas-phase self-condensation of acetone, catalyzed by TiO2 and Al-MCM-41 acid catalysts, at a technological readiness level of TRL-4.The reactor used was a bench-scale fixed-bed reactor (28 mm diameter and 500 mm height) loaded with commercial-sized catalyst pellets (1/8″ diameter). It was equipped with a jacket for heat transfer using flowing thermal oil. The performance of commercial-scale reactors was approximated under conditions of 275 °C, 280 kPa, and a space velocity of 50–500 mol/kg·h.The catalyst pellets exhibited significant mass transfer resistances, which limited the reaction rate. This, in turn, reduced the deactivation rate caused by the adsorption of high-molecular-weight condensation products on the strongest acid sites. Additionally, the product distribution differed between pellet and powder forms of the catalysts, with higher yields of isophorone and mesitylene being observed on TiO2 and Al-MCM-41 pellets, respectively. A reaction and mass transfer model was proposed and fitted to the bench-scale data.The study also considered the combination of both catalyst pellets in the same reactor for the bench-scale unit. It was demonstrated that mesitylene yield could be improved, with the best configuration being two separate beds placed consecutively in the reactor with a catalyst ratio of 1:2 (TiO2:MCM-41).

Hydroprocessing Microbial Oils for Advanced Road Transportation, Aviation, and Maritime Drop-In Fuels: Industrially Relevant Scale Validation

Triacylglycerides (TAGs) produced via the syngas fermentation of biogenic residues and wastes were evaluated as a potential feedstock for advanced road transportation, aviation, and maritime drop-in fuels via hydroprocessing technology. Due to the limited availability of TAGs, a simulated feedstock (SM TAGs) was utilized by blending various commercial oils, simulating the fatty acid composition of TAGs. At first, the simulated feedstock and the real TAGs were hydrotreated on a TRL 4 (technology readiness level) pilot plant to evaluate the potential of the SM feedstock to simulate the TAGs based on product quality. The hydrotreatment technology was evaluated and optimized on a TRL 4 plant. The research was further extended to a TRL 5 hydrotreatment plant with the optimum operating window for scaling up the technology. The resulting product was fractionated on a batch fractionation unit under vacuum to separate the jet and diesel fractions. The produced fuels were analyzed and evaluated based on the aviation Jet A1, EN590, EN15940, and marine diesel DMA specifications. The results show that the TAG composition was successfully simulated via a blend of vegetable oils. In addition, the hydrotreatment of the real TAGs and simulated feedstock resulted in similar-quality liquid products. The technology was successfully scaled up on a TRL 5 unit, leading to advanced, high-quality aviation and diesel drop-in fuels from TAGs, while the reaction pathways of hydrotreating can be controlled via the operating parameters of pressure, temperature, and H2/oil ratio. The hydrotreatment process’s optimum conditions were 13.8 MPa pressure, 643 K temperature, 1 h−1 liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV), and 5000 scfb hydrogen-to-oil ratio. Finally, a storage stability study of the hydrotreated liquid product showed that it can be stored for more than 6 months at ambient conditions without any noticeable changes to its properties.

Implementation of microcontroller board on a sustainable and degradable PLA/flax composite substrate: a case study

In this paper, we present a novel polylactic-acid/flax-composite substrate and the implementation of a demonstrator: a microcontroller board based on commercial design. The substrate is developed for printed circuit board (PCB) applications. The pre-preg is biodegradable, reinforced, and flame-retarded. The novel material was developed to counter the increasing amount of e-waste and to improve the sustainability of the microelectronics sector. The motivation was to present a working circuit in commercial complexity that can be implemented on a rigid substrate made of natural, bio-based materials with a structure very similar to the widely used Flame Retardant Class 4 (FR4) substrate at an early technological readiness level (2–3). The circuit design is based on the Arduino Nano open-source microcontroller board design so that the demonstration could be programmable and easy to fit into education, IoT applications, and embedded designs. During the work, the design was optimized at the level of layout. The copper-clad pre-preg was then prepared and processed with subtractive printed wiring technology and through hole plating. The traditional surface mounting methodology was applied for assembly. The resulting yield of PCB production was around 50%. Signal analysis was successful with analogue data acquisition (voltage) and low-frequency (4 kHz) tests, indistinguishable from sample FR4 boards. Eventually, the samples were subjected to highly accelerated stress test (HAST). HAST tests revealed limitations compared to traditional FR4 printed circuit materials. After six cycles, the weight loss was around 30% in the case of PLA/Flax, and as three-point bending tests showed, the possible ultimate strength (25 MPa at a flexural state) was reduced by 80%. Finally, the sustainability aspect was assessed, where we found that ∼95 vol% and ∼90 wt% of the traditional substrate can be substituted, significantly easing the load of waste on the environment.

Comparing CO2 Storage and Utilization: Enhancing Sustainability through Renewable Energy Integration

Addressing the environmental challenges posed by CO2 emissions is crucial for mitigating global warming and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This study compares CO2 storage (CCS) and utilization (CCU) technologies, highlighting the benefits of integrating captured CO2 into fuel production. This paper focuses on various carbon utilization routes such as Power-to-Gas via the Sabatier reaction, indirect production of DME, and Power-to-Fuel technologies. The maturity of these technologies is evaluated using the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) method, identifying the advancements needed for future implementation. Additionally, global regulations and policies surrounding carbon capture and storage are reviewed to provide context for their current status. The study emphasizes the potential of CCU technologies to reduce future CO2 emissions by converting captured CO2 into valuable fuels and chemicals, thus supporting the transition to a sustainable energy system. The findings indicate that while CCS technologies are more mature, promising CCU technologies can significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions if green hydrogen becomes more affordable. This research underscores the importance of further technological development and economic evaluation to enhance the feasibility and adoption of CCU technologies in the pursuit of long-term environmental sustainability.

LIBRARIANS’ TECHNOLOGICAL READINESS AS PREDICTOR OF THE CREATION OF INSTITUTIONAL REPOSITORY IN UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA

This study investigated librarians’ technological readiness as a predictor of the creation of institutional repository (IR) in universities in South-south, Nigeria. To achieve this, two research questions were raised and one research hypothesis was formulated and tested. The study employed the descriptive survey design of the correlational type and the population for the study consisted of 181 librarians drawn from public university libraries in South-south, Nigeria. Total enumeration sampling technique was employed for this study. The instrument for data collection was the questionnaire. The face and content validity was established by the two experts in the field of Library and Information Science. The spearman Brown Prophecy Formula correlation coefficient (r) employing the split half method was used to determine the reliability of the instrument and this produced a reliability index of 0.81. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and mean to answer the research questions. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and multiple regression statistics was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that: (i) librarians demonstrated high level of technological readiness towards the creation of IR in the universities in South-south, Nigeria; (ii) librarians are highly willing to create IR in their respective institutions; and (iii) librarians’ technological readiness significantly influenced the creation of IR in South-south, Nigeria. It was therefore recommended that Management should encourage librarians to improve on their current state of technological readiness in order for them to be fully equipped to fit into the 21st century technology and the creation of IR. Also, technology manufacturers should take note of the insecurity challenges faced by users in order to proffer lasting solutions to such issues.

Pilot Scale Electrolysis of Peroxodicarbonate as an Oxidizer for Lignin Valorization.

A pilot scale plant at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 comprising an electrochemical ex-cell continuous production of sodium peroxodicarbonate and a thermal depolymerization plug flow reactor for kraft lignin conversion is established. Due to the labile nature of the "green" oxidizer peroxodicarbonate, special attention must be paid to the production parameters in order to optimize its use. A simplified design model describing steady-state and transient operations is formulated and finally validated against experimental data from the electrolysis setup. Design trade-offs are visualized, and their impact on specific energy consumption is evaluated. The pilot plant was operated for a 20-month period for more than 1200 h on-stream. Optimized process conditions result in vanillin yields of 8 wt % and thus prove the successful scale-up.

Upcycling C1 gas-derived resources in future food system

Upcycling the one-carbon (C1) gas-derived resources into food-related product offers a dual benefit, alleviating food shortages and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Powered by synthetic biology and cutting-edge technologies, the conversion of C1 resources into food-related products has become a reality. In this study, we present a state-of-the-art review for the synthesis of C1-based food-related products, broadly categorized as follows: (i) C1-to-carbohydates, (ii) C1-to-proteins, (iii) C1-to-lipids, (iv) C1-to-food additives, and (v) C1-to-food packaging. We assess the technological readiness level of each product category and identify the C1 fixation pathways and C1-based products with industrialization potential. We also address the bottlenecks and explore the opportunities within the less mature product categories. By revealing the existing knowledge gap, we emphasize the imperative of leveraging advanced technologies and collaborative efforts to address these challenges. Taken together, our work highlights the potential of upcycling C1 gas-derived resources in fostering future food system.

MXene: A Roadmap to Sustainable Energy Management, Synthesis Routes, Stabilization, and Economic Assessment.

MXenes with their wide range of tunability and good surface chemistry provide unique and distinctive characteristics offering potential employment in various aspects of energy management applications. These high-performance materials have attracted considerable attention in recent decades due to their outstanding characteristics. In the literature, most of the work is related to specific methods for the preparation of MXenes. In this Review, we present a detailed discussion on the synthesis of MXenes through different etching routes involving acids, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and lithium fluoride, and non-acidic alkaline solution, electrochemical, and molten salt methods. Furthermore, a concise overview of the different structural, optical, electronic, and magnetic properties of MXenes is provided corresponding to their role in supporting high thermal, chemical, mechanical, environmental, and electrochemical stability. Additionally, the role of MXenes in maintaining the thermal management performance of photovoltaic thermal systems (PV/T), wearable light heaters, solar water desalination, batteries, and supercapacitors is also briefly discussed. A techno-economic and life cycle analysis of MXenes is provided to analyze their sustainability, scalability, and commercialization to facilitate a comprehensive array of energy management systems. Lastly, the technology readiness level of MXenes is defined, and future recommendations for MXenes are provided for their further utilization in niche applications. The present work strives to link the chemistry of MXenes to process economics for energy management applications.

Hydrogen from Depleted/Depleting Hydrocarbon Reservoirs: A Reservoir Engineering Perspective

In today’s industry, H2 is mostly produced from fossil fuels such as natural gas (NG), oil, and coal through various processes. However, all these processes produce both carbon dioxide (CO2) as well as H2, making them questionable in terms of climate change mitigation efforts. In addition to efforts to increase the conversion efficiency of green H2 technologies, work is also underway to make H2 production from fossil fuels more environmentally friendly by reducing/avoiding CO2 emissions. In this framework, these technologies are combined with geologic carbon storage. In a further step, the use of depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs for in situ H2 production is being investigated, with the co-generated CO2 remaining permanently in the reservoir. The objective of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the technologies that can be used to produce H2 from depleted and depleting hydrocarbon reservoirs (DHRs) in various ways. We evaluate the required processes from a reservoir engineering perspective, highlighting their potential for H2 generation and their technology readiness level (TRL) for applications. We also investigate the possibility of permanently storing the co-produced CO2 in the reservoir as a means of mitigating emissions. In addition, we provide a preliminary cost analysis to compare these methods with conventional hydrogen production techniques, as well as an assessment of operational risks and associated cost estimates.

Prospective environmental burdens and benefits of fast-swing direct air carbon capture and storage

Direct air capture (DAC) in combination with storage of CO2 can lower atmospheric CO2 concentrations. This study investigates the environmental impact of a new fast-swing solid sorbent DAC system, including CO2 transport and storage, over its life cycle, using prospective life cycle assessment. This DAC technology is currently on technology readiness level 5 and is expected to operate on an industrial scale by 2030. The technology was upscaled to the industrial scale and future changes in the background over the lifetime of the system were included, such as electricity grid mix decarbonization. Environmental trade-offs for the new DAC system were assessed by comparing environmental benefits from CO2 sequestration with environmental burdens from production, operation and decommissioning. We considered three electricity generation configurations: grid-connected, wind-connected, and a hybrid configuration. We found net environmental benefits for all configurations and background scenarios for ecosystem damage and climate change. Net human health benefits were observed when the electricity grid decarbonizes quickly and without the use of a battery. The environmental benefits increase with decreasing electricity footprint and are comparable with other DAC technologies. This illustrates that the new DAC system can help to meet the climate goals.

Technology Readiness and Adoption of Artificial Intelligence Among Accounting Students in Malaysia

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasing in accounting practice, and firms desire new hires who have adopted this technology. Universities can prepare students to adopt AI. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine whether perceived ease of use (PEOU) and perceived usefulness (PU) affect on the relationship between accounting students’ level of technology readiness and self-efficacy with their decision to adopt AI. The study involved an examination of individual students’ perceptions of technology readiness and technology adoption. An online questionnaire consisting of 40 items gathering demographic information and perceptions of technology readiness, technology adoption, self-efficacy, PEOU, and PU was administered to student participants. The findings from the study indicated that technology readiness has a significant influence on technology adoption. However, mediation analysis using regression showed that the relationship between technology readiness and technology adoption of Artificial Intelligence is affected by both PEOU and PU.

A Sociotechnical Readiness Level Framework for the Development of Advanced Nuclear Technologies

The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale was initially developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the 1970s and is now widely used in space, nuclear, and other complex technology sectors in the United States and beyond. The TRL scale is particularly useful for determining where the extrapolation of untested subsystems or features could produce technical risk, cause expensive redesigns, or act as a roadblock to technology development. In this paper, we propose the development of a sociotechnical readiness level or SRL, premised on the understanding that the successful development and eventual use of a technology requires achieving not only full technological readiness but also anticipating, prioritizing, and addressing societal concerns that may arise during the course of development of a technology. Failures to anticipate and address societal factors in the early stages of technology development have led to high-profile delays, and in some cases, ultimate failures of nuclear technology projects. The sociotechnical readiness scale, which conceptually draws on the design research and science and technology studies scholarship, centers on the principles of equity and environmental justice in technology design and emphasizes the need for social engagement during the process of technology development. Nowhere is such an approach to technology development more vital or needed than for the long-term management of spent nuclear fuel.

Manufacturing trials of PFCs with low thermal conductivity features for limiters

In future demonstration fusion power plants, plasma facing components will face high steady state and ultra-high transient heat loads from the plasma. Introducing low thermal conductivity features to the component can reduce the peak temperatures seen by the coolant pipe during transient loads, but at the trade-off of a loss of steady-state performance. Producing low-conductivity tungsten by additive methods has been investigated elsewhere, so this trial investigates production through subtractive means i.e., conventional milling. This method preserves the original temperature limits and majority of the microstructure and is much higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL) so requires less development to reach series manufacture. In this trial, diamond drilling produced holes in monoblocks down to 0.6 mm and ligaments down to 0.7 mm, showing that this method is capable of producing small features in a controlled way. With the geometric design of lattice used in this trial, these samples achieved thermal conductivity reductions of 15% to 40%. One monoblock assembly was tested up to 1100 °C for 500 cycles in the Heating by Induction to Verify Extremes (HIVE) High Heat Flux test rig and showed no signs of ligament cracking or thermal degradation. Electromagnetic modelling has been validated against the experimental results, so future designs can be accurately modelled ahead of testing in HIVE.

Development Of An Endoscopic, Absorption Corrected And Calibrated OH Laser Induced Fluorescence Probe System for High Pressure Combustion Diagnostics

We present the design and preliminary results of an endoscopic OH laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) system that is capable of acquiring 1D-line measurements in high pressure combustion processes within large-scale test facilities. The system can be exploited to acquire line-of-sight OH-chemiluminescence images and absorption corrected absolute OH-species concentration from which additionally temperature distribution can be extracted in case of lean mixtures in chemical equilibrium. Different critical components, such as light guides for high power UV laser pulses and flexible UV image guides, were first tested and characterized in a laboratory setup. Optimization regarding pulse energy and beam quality led to the selection of an 1m long hollow core fiber for laser light delivery as a central element for the experimental setup despite high losses caused by bending the fiber. The image transfer is accomplished by a 7m long flexible UV image bundle, which is preferred to the use of a rigid borescope in harsh environments. We designed the endoscopic UV optics using readily available parts and achieved an approximated image resolution of 21.6 line pairs/mm. Additionally, post-processing methods, such as flat-field correction, can improve the image quality substantially and remove the pixilation effect of the fiber bundle structure nearly completely. To validate the complete system, probe-based qualitative OH-LIF measurements were performed in a well-known laminar flame of a matrix burner, which serves as a mock-up for anticipated applications in an industrial test environment with a technology readiness level (TRL) greater than 4. The final step consists of the integration of the miniaturized optics into a cooled probe system which protects the sensitive optics against the harsh environment of an aero-engine sector combustor. For this purpose, two probe systems were designed to include, on the one hand, the endoscope optics together with the fiber image bundle end tip and, on the other hand, the laser emitting and receiving system for performing an absorption measurement needed to quantify the recorded LIF signal.