Waveguide-Integrated Mid-Infrared Graphene Detectors for Optical Gas Sensor Systems

Important results from the project

The funding relate to the swedish participation in project funded in Flag ERA II. Gas sensing technologies for CO2 and hydrocarbons are important for many of applications such as air quality monitoring and medical applications. However, for many applications existing gas sensors are too expensive, bulky or low-performance. Thus, there is a need for gas sensors that are low-cost, compact, sensitive and specific to the target gas. To address this need, we det out to develop integrated waveguide-based optical gas sensors using mid-IR graphene photodetectors.

Expected long term effects

In this project we have developed the key components for a NDIR gas sensor system based on a suspended mid-IR waveguide. Specifically, we have developed specifications for the NDIR CO2 gas sensor and extracted the required photodetector performance. We have demonstrated a suspended waveguide operating at a wavelength of =4237nm with which we showed successful CO2 gas sensing. We also fabricated different types of waveguide-integrated graphene photodetectors and characterized these devices.

Approach and implementation

Securing the realization of waveguide-based NDIR gas sensors is vital for sustaining the competitiveness of Senseair, the world market leader for optical CO2 gas sensors, and to pave its way into emerging multi-gas sensor markets, including automotive and smartphone applications. With an early entry into the graphene-based IR detector market, Europe can secure key intellectual property for future graphene ventures, perfectly aligning with the strategic roadmap of the Graphene Flagship Project.