Project description
A portable infrared spectrometer could significantly enhance biochemical sensing in the field
The infrared (IR) range of the electromagnetic spectrum is useful for imaging biological samples. Near-IR is used in night-vision cameras, far-IR in thermal cameras, and mid-IR for non-destructive spectroscopic analysis of molecular structures in biochemical samples. While the first two technologies are now simple and portable, mid-IR spectrometers remain bulky and expensive. Their widespread utility in analysis of samples in solid, liquid, or gas form for environmental studies, engineering analysis, and biomedical applications highlights the need for and commercial potential of a field-accessible model. POCSEL is developing just such a portable and inexpensive spectroscopic biochemical sensor for point-of-care medical diagnostics, food safety, and environmental monitoring. The pioneering device could have significant downstream impact on human health and safety.
Objective
Mid-infrared spectroscopy is considered gold standard in bio-chemical analysis for both research and industry applications, providing chemical specificity, as well as a label-free and non-destructive way of accessing molecular structure on a wide range of samples. Currently available infrared (IR) sensor techniques rely on bulky and expensive Fourier transform infrared spectrometers or tunable light sources, which severely limits their use in field and practical applications. Therefore, there is a clear need for new optical sensing technologies capable of bringing the power of IR spectroscopy to miniaturized sensor devices at the point of care, which opens new business opportunities. The proposed ERC Proof of Concept project aims to realize a portable spectroscopic biochemical sensor by leveraging our recently invented nanophotonic technology enabled by pixelated dielectric metasurfaces. We will validate our sensor device for use with relevant biochemical samples related to medical diagnostics, food safety and environmental monitoring, and will integrate it into a technology demonstrator for testing of these compounds in the field. Our proposed spectroscopic sensor operates at much lower cost and in a more compact footprint compared to the current state-of-the art, opening up new application areas where no current point-of-care devices exist.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology other engineering and technologies food technology food safety
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2019-PoC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1015 LAUSANNE
Switzerland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.