The heart of the GRACED project and its main outcome is the GRACED bimodal plasmo-photonic sensing platform (The GRACED chip). Different versions of the chip were produced during the project lifetime, in an attempt to optimize its performance. The final version of the GRACED chip is capable of simultaneously detect seven analytes of interest for the food industry and has achieved excellent performance. From a photonics point of view, the bulk optical sensitivity achieved is a record value. The sensor will be patented and will be exploited by the involved partner. Another key project result is the GRACED device. This is the instrument in which the GRACED chip is installed in order to run an analysis. It is responsible for delivering the sample to the chip and reading out the measurement. Its main module is the optical subsystem. The whole device is relatively compact (70x70x38 cm). For completely autonomous operation in the field when dealing with irrigation water quality analysis, the GRACED device can be coupled with the GRACED IoT add-on module. This module allows taking a sample from the water stream, automatically preparing it for the analysis and then cleaning the device, in order to avoid any human intervention for a prolonged period. The system is completed with the GRACED DSS, which is responsible for data collection and advance statistics. The GRACED system has been tested and validated in four real-world pilots in Europe. Results have been widely disseminated though various channels, while partners have also prepared exploitation plans for the post-project period. Open access data can be found in the project’s Zenodo community.
