The Department of Physics, Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), once again participated in an international scientific forum at the International Laser Technology and Optics Symposium (iLATOS) 2026. The event was held at the Ibnu Sina Institute, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), on July 30–31, 2026.
iLATOS 2026 is an international conference organized through a collaboration between the Ibnu Sina Institute and the Laser Centre at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, along with the University of Bristol, UK. The symposium serves as a platform for researchers, academics, and postgraduate students from various institutions to exchange knowledge and present the latest developments in laser technology, optics, spectroscopy, photonics, and related fields.
During the event, Harisma Zaini Ahmad (Master’s Student in Physics, Class of 2025) delivered an oral presentation titled “Gemstone Classification Using Machine Learning on Imbalanced Spectral Data from Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy.” The presented research explores the application of machine learning techniques to improve the classification of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) spectral data, specifically addressing the challenges of imbalanced data distribution across different gemstone types.
In this study, machine learning approaches were applied to the spectral data of agate stones to identify and differentiate several material groups based on their emission spectrum characteristics. A major challenge in the research was the uneven distribution of data across gemstone types, which could cause classification models to favor heavily represented sample types. To overcome this, the study explores data processing and classification strategies aimed at enhancing the model’s performance when handling imbalanced dataset conditions.
The presentation also provided an invaluable opportunity to receive direct feedback from researchers and academics with expertise in lasers, spectroscopy, analytical instrumentation, and data analysis. Through the Q&A and discussion sessions, diverse perspectives regarding research methodologies and future study directions were gained.
Beyond presenting research findings, the student actively engaged in technical discussions and academic networking with researchers, lecturers, and fellow postgraduate students from various institutions. These interactions fostered an exchange of experiences and knowledge, particularly regarding research developments in laser spectroscopy, instrumentation technology, data analysis, and the application of machine learning in scientific research.
Participation in iLATOS 2026 is part of ongoing efforts to enhance students’ academic and research competencies through direct engagement in international scientific environments. This event not only offered insights into cutting-edge research but also strengthened scientific communication skills and expanded professional academic networks.
Harisma Zaini Ahmad’s participation in iLATOS 2026 was supported by funding from the World Class University (WCU) Program, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Universitas Diponegoro, under the 2026 Students Go International Scheme. This support aligns with the Faculty of Science and Mathematics’ efforts to drive internationalization and provide students with opportunities to actively contribute to global academic and scientific forums.
The participation of UNDIP Master’s Physics students in this international forum is expected to bolster research development within Universitas Diponegoro, particularly in physics, spectroscopy, laser technology, and machine learning applications for scientific data analysis. The insights and experience gained throughout the event are envisioned to serve as a strong foundation for future research advancements and academic collaborations.