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
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept GrantHost institution
1015 Lausanne
Switzerland