Nanophotonics for sensing applications
Recent technological advances have provided fabrication routes and strategies to design and assess sensor elements with dimensions of a few nanometres and unique capabilities. Research work conducted within the framework of the NANOPHOS project has revealed the tremendous potential of nanostructured materials for advanced gas sensing applications. NANOPHOS project partners aimed beyond the established electrochemical or spectroscopic gas sensor concepts. Their concerted efforts covered development of nanostructured materials, capable of altering their optical properties in the presence of selected gaseous pollutants, as well as sensor designs for the detection of environmental emissions. Project partner, 3D Digital Design & Development Ltd was charged with the provision of an integrated test platform to investigate the electrical characteristics of the newly developed sensors. In accordance with the free-space Young interferometer or planar optical waveguide configuration of the sensor under trial, a software programme allowed the configuration of full life cycle tests. Furthermore, a sophisticated gas control system was necessary for physically separating sensing elements from gas chemical agents, as well as for controlling the flow of the latter into the test chamber. The Photonics Media Laboratory at the National Hellenic Research Foundation was equipped with all the essential testing facilities for confirming the sensors' performance under different operating conditions within industrial settings. The achievements of the NANOPHOS project are expected to establish a roadmap for nanotechnologies in industrial sensing applications.
