Objective In-line and in-situ fast ultra-sensitive detection of gaseous species at part per billion and part per trillion with ability to distinguish isotopomers without any pre-processing of gas sample is of high interest in chemistry, medicine, geology, physics, various other sciences and industries. Recent technology achievements in development of compact and robust tunable near-infrared and mid-infrared lasers open a door to new applications of optical sensors based upon laser absorption spectrometry. Nowadays, in-situ portable laser sensors based upon direct absorption detection with a mid-infrared quantum cascade laser or a near-infrared diode laser and large volume long path length multi-pass optical cell can compete in accurate isotope-ratio measurements even with ion-mass spectrometers. But in order to reach new horizons significant improvement in sensitivity is necessary. The aim of the project is to develop novel approach of ultra-sensitive gas sensor based upon laser absorption spectrometry and demonstrate absorption sensitivities limited by a shot noise which is caused by the fluctuations of detected photons. The technology based upon frequency modulation of laser, optical locking of the laser to high finesse optical cavity formed by high reflectivity mirrors and signal detection at frequency of free spectral range of the cavity will be developed and tested. We expect to demonstrate highest absorption sensitivities. Laser sensors based upon this technique and mid-infrared and near-infrared lasers will be able to measure molecule concentrations at levels of part per trillion per volume. Robustness and ultra-sensitivity of the developed sensors, knowledge and technology transfer within the project will contribute to widespread implementation of laser sensors in on-line monitoring of impurities in nanotechnology and chemistry, measurements of isotopomers in medicine, geo-science and environmental research, others industrial and social applications. Fields of science engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsoptical sensorsengineering and technologynanotechnologynatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesgeologynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticslaser physicsnatural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physicsphotons Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF - Marie Curie Action: "Intra-European Fellowships for Career Development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator EIDGENOESSISCHE TECHNISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZUERICH EU contribution € 121 241,20 Address Raemistrasse 101 8092 Zuerich Switzerland See on map Region Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Zürich Zürich Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Markus W. Sigrist (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
