The laser (on the right) sends its light through a gas container, then the beam is reflected by a mirror (left).
A laser and detector in one: a microscopic sensor has been developed at TU Wien, which can be used to identify different gases simultaneously.
As humans, we sniff out different scents and aromas using chemical receptors in our noses. In technological gas detection, however, there are a whole host of other methods available. One such method is to use infrared lasers, passing a laser beam through the gas to an adjacent separate detector, which measures the degree of light attenuation it causes. TU Wien’s tiny new sensor now brings together both sides within a single component, making it possible to use the same microscopic structure for both the emission and detection of infrared radiation.
Circular quantum cascade lasers
“The lasers that we produce are a far cry from ordinary laser pointers ,” explains Rolf Szedlak from the Institute of Solid State Electronics at TU Wien. “We make what are known as quantum cascade lasers. They are made up of a sophisticated layered system of different materials and emit light in the infrared range.”
When an electrical voltage is applied to this layered system, electrons pass through the laser. With the right selection of materials and layer thicknesses, the electrons always lose some of their energy when passing from one layer into the next. This energy is released in the form of light, creating an infrared laser beam.
“Our quantum cascade lasers are circular, with a diameter of less than half a millimetre,” reports Prof. Gottfried Strasser, head of the Center for Micro- and Nanostructures at TU Wien. “Their geometric properties help to ensure that the laser only emits light at a very specific wavelength.”
“This is perfect for chemical analysis of gases, as many gases absorb only very specific amounts of infrared light,” explains Prof. Bernhard Lendl from the Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics at TU Wien. Gases can thus be reliably detected using their own individual infrared ‘fingerprint’. Doing so requires a laser with the correct wavelength and a detector that measures the amount of infrared radiation swallowed up by the gas.
A laser that also detects
“Our microscopic structure has the major advantage of being a laser and detector in one,” professes Rolf Szedlak. Two concentric quantum cascade rings are fitted for this purpose, which can both (depending on the operating mode) emit and detect light, even doing so at two slightly different wavelengths. One ring emits the laser light which passes through the gas before being reflected back by a mirror. The second ring then receives the reflected light and measures its strength. The two rings then immediately switch their roles, allowing the next measurement to be carried out.
In testing this new form of sensor, the TU Wien research team faced a truly daunting challenge: they had to differentiate isobutene and isobutane – two molecules which, in addition to confusingly similar names, also possess very similar chemical properties. The microscopic sensors passed this test with flying colours, reliably identifying both of the gases.
“Combining laser and detector brings many advantages,” says Gottfried Strasser. “It allows for the production of extremely compact sensors, and conceivably, even an entire array – i.e. a cluster of microsensors – housed on a single chip and able to operate on several different wavelengths simultaneously.” The application possibilities are virtually endless, ranging from environmental technology to medicine.
Learn more: The quantum sniffer dog
The Latest on: Microscopic sensor
via Google News
The Latest on: Microscopic sensor
- Microscope Digital Cameras Market is estimated to reach a value of a bit over US$ 460 Million by the end of 2027on May 27, 2022 at 1:00 am
Valuable insights on the global scenario of microscope digital cameras have been presented systematically in a recently carried out research on microscope digital cameras market by Future market ...
- Intelligent Sensor Market 2022 Global – Innovation, Technologies, Applications, Verticals, Strategies & Strength, Opportunities Forecasts to 2028on May 26, 2022 at 9:06 am
The Intelligent Sensors market is expected to grow from USD 18 billion in 2017 to USD 47.20 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 12% during the forecast period ...
- Reed Sensor Market Size, Industry Growth, Competitive Landscape, Recent Developments, Regional Outlook and Forecast by 2029on May 23, 2022 at 9:37 pm
The market analysis covered in the Reed Sensor report offers an examination of various segments that are relied upon to witness the quickest development amid the estimated forecas ...
- The Worldwide Wearable Sensor Industry is Expected to Reach $5.7 Billion by 2028on May 23, 2022 at 3:27 am
According to the latest research report, titled 'Wearable Sensor Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis,' the market is expected to grow from US$ 1,906.74 million in 2021 to ...
- Realme GT 2 Pro lets you unravel wonders of the micro worldon May 21, 2022 at 2:09 pm
The dedicated microscope camera on the Realme GT 2 Pro is a unique feature that allows you to probe into the marvels of nature at a micro level.
- SENSE multipurpose sensor development board £29on May 20, 2022 at 2:32 am
Nexus Electronics and electronic enthusiasts Zack Seifert has created a new multipurpose sensor development board aptly named the SENSE which is now ...
- Smart Sensor Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis By Technology, Type, and End-use Industryon May 19, 2022 at 4:58 am
According to our latest market study, titled "Smart Sensor Market Forecast to 2028 – COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis – by Technology, Type, and End-User Industry," the market is expected to grow ...
- An Analysis of the Pressure Sensor Market Size, Industry Share and Growth Factorson May 18, 2022 at 9:10 am
"Pressure Sensor Market"Pressure Sensor Market is expected to reach $21.9 billion by 2026 from $14.8 billion in 2021, at a CAGR of 8.2% during ...
- Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) Sensor Market Size, Market Share, Future Trends, Growth Factors and Leading Players 2027on May 18, 2022 at 8:40 am
The report for Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) Sensor Market offers an assiduous analysis of contemporary market trends, driving factors, consumer behaviour, key player strategies, product usage ...
via Bing News