Periodic Reporting for period 1 - VacLAS-Chip (Single-Chip Integration of MEMS Micropumps with Optical Waveguides for Laser Absorption Spectroscopy)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2023-04-01 al 2025-03-31
Sensitive gas spectroscopy is typically performed at sub-atmospheric pressure to enhance absorption line resolution, enabling precise detection and analysis of gas compositions. The primary objective of this project is to develop a miniature system capable of reducing pressure within a microlitre-volume chamber, seamlessly integrated with a midinfrared nanophotonic gas detection unit for high-precision gas sensing.
During the project, the focus partially shifted towards the development of a more versatile spectrometer based on a programmable photonic integrated circuit (PIC). At the time of its conception, this PIC represented a unique technological advancement, leveraging the specialized expertise of the project collaborators. This innovative device offers adaptability for multiple applications, including wavelength multiplexing for data transfer, Raman spectra analysis, and gas absorption spectra analysis, thereby broadening the scope and impact of the original objectives.
During the project, the focus partially shifted towards the development of a more versatile spectrometer based on a programmable photonic integrated circuit (PIC). At the time of its conception, this PIC represented a unique technological advancement, leveraging the specialized expertise of the project collaborators. This innovative device offers adaptability for multiple applications, including wavelength multiplexing for data transfer, Raman spectra analysis, and gas absorption spectra analysis, thereby broadening the scope and impact of the original objectives.
Towards the goal of reducing pressure at the microscale, several microfabrication techniques were tested, but the system has not been developed yet. The main outcome is a refined plan for a prototype component.
During this project, we have developed a novel spectrometer / optical filter based on programmable photonic circuits. This was unplanned development in the extent of this project. Being a novel technology, further funding of this activity is desirable to explore the applications of the technology and improve it. While the theoretical foundations for this technology have been made available (publication preprint), it has also been tested and the results will be submitted for publication soon.