Project description
Real-time trace gas sensor based on a MEMS/nanophotonics platform
Microorganisms produce or consume various gases, adding to the greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere or serving as a potential sink. Large and expensive instrumentation, such as gas chromatography systems, limit microbiological studies in the field. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the VacLAS-Chip project plans to develop the first chip platform integrating optical waveguides with micropumps. Leveraging the latest advances in microelectromechanical systems and nanophotonics, the proposed technology will pave the way for the development of inexpensive, lightweight, portable devices to detect trace gases in real time and in situ.
Objective
Microbiological research is concerned with studies of microbial gas consumption and production, which is tightly linked to natural greenhouse gas emissions, but also sinks. Currently, such studies require large and expensive instrumentation like gas chromatography systems, which also sacrifice the sample during each measurement. This affects the conditions of the sample, and yields unsatisfactory temporal resolution due to the need for sample handling. In this project, I propose to leverage the latest advances in MEMS and nanophotonics to develop the first chip platform integrating optical waveguides with micropumps, which will facilitate tuneable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) under vacuum and in closed valume without sacrificing the sample gas. With the addition of lasers and light detectors, it will enable inexpensive, low weight, portable devices for real-time, in situ trace gas detection. Such device will not only impact microbiological research, but also sensor networks much needed e.g. in cities for controlling the air quality.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorssmart sensors
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringair pollution engineering
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopyabsorption spectroscopy
- engineering and technologynanotechnologynanophotonics
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticslaser physics
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-AG-UN - HORIZON Unit GrantCoordinator
9019 Tromso
Norway