The main result is the experimental demonstration of the undetected photon measurement on a photonic chip. This result paves the way towards a new generation of efficient and miniaturized sensors for gas- and bio- detection and spectrometry. Once fully developed and engineered, this technology can open new perspectives to fields like environmental monitoring and healthcare. In fact, while portable sensors for gas detection are already available, they lack selectively and sensitivity, making them not suitable for precise monitoring of toxic molecules or pollutants. The perspective of our technology is to enable miniaturized, portable and affordable devices, compatible with customer electronics and mass production.
To advance the development of such technology, further research in terms of optimal materials and platforms is required. This is needed to extend the wavelength of operation at larger mid infrared wavelengths, where molecules are more responsive. Experiments with actual gas samples are also needed, to investigate the efficiency of the sensor when exposed to gases and to optimize the interaction between guided light and molecules to be probed. Furthermore, a detailed market analysis to identify the killer applications and markets of interests is crucial for the successful commercial deployment of the technology.
Other results of the project include new quantum sources, which will impact both the field of research and technology: on one side, providing new solutions to advance fundamental studies about quantum phenomena; on the other, offering novel photon pair sources compatible with quantum communication protocols running in metropolitan fiber networks.
