Project: Chemical Sensor based on a Miniaturised Infrared Spectrophotometer

Acronym CSMIS (Reference Number: PS-2016_10)
Duration 01/05/2018 - 31/10/2020
Project Topic This project builds on use of Infrared (IR) spectroscopy as a powerful tool for sensing & identifying chemicals (solid, liquid & gas). It has many applications from industrial safety, medical to food processing, but current systems are expensive (€1,000s), relatively large & power hungry, limiting uptake in commercial & consumer applications. In this project, unique infrared (IR) photonic technology is used to progress a novel solid state chemical sensor, based on a patented photonic Miniaturised-Infrared Spectrophotometer. This has genuine disruptive potential within the €4.1billion global chemical detection (gas & liquid applications & markets considered in this proposal). The project has potential to bring spectroscopic capabilities associated with highend laser systems into the low-cost, high volume gas & liquid detection markets. The technology in this project comprises broadband IR light sources/detector combinations & unique IR linear variable optical filters along with uncooled detector arrays, providing low power consumption spectral discrimination. IR light source/detector combination is incorporated into a novel patented injection moulded IR reflective optic, ensuring broadband operation & lower cost [€00`s cf €000`s] compared with current bulky, high power consumption transmissive diffractive optics-based IR systems. A key unmet need within the infrared photonic based chemical sensing market, & primary aim within this proposed project, is provision of low power consumption solid state optical sensors based on low cost high volume manufacturing technologies. The project combines IR photonic technologies aligned with market trends requiring portable, fit & forget, long-life, autonomous sensors. The world-class transnational consortium provides a manufacturing supply chain to implement new processes & advance Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the IR photonics based chemical sensor to a pre-commercial TRL6, with routes into global markets.
Network PhotonicSensing
Call Photonics based sensing

Project partner

Number Name Role Country
1 Helia Photonics Limited Coordinator United Kingdom
2 Semefab Limited Partner United Kingdom
3 Gas Measurement Instruments Ltd Partner United Kingdom
4 Sensatronic GmbH Partner Germany
5 InovaSens Sensors Partner Türkiye
6 Spectrolytic GmbH Partner Germany
7 University of West of Scotland Partner United Kingdom