Infrared Sensor Technology
Optical chemical sensor technology in the mid-infrared (MIR) spectral range (3-20 µm) is gaining importance in process monitoring, environmental analysis, and the biomedical field due to the increasing demand for versatile and robust sensor technology with inherent molecular specificity. Interfacing IR-transducers with continuous measurement or surveillance situations becomes increasingly feasible with the advent of appropriate waveguide technology (e.g. MIR transparent optical fibers and planar waveguides), novel surface coatings (e.g. diamond-like carbon), and the availability of advanced light sources such as room-temperature operated quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) next to conventional FT-IR spectrometers.
Fundamental research at the Applied Sensors Laboratory focuses on the development of novel innovative infrared sensing concepts with particular emphasis on system miniaturization/integration and increased sensitivity for liquid and gas phase applications. Recently, we have extended our efforts into the far-infrared and terahertz regime (THz, >20 µm) with main emphasis on nearfield imaging techniques and integrated sensing platforms for biomolecule (e.g. DNA) detection. These efforts are complemented by the development of new concepts in multivariate data analysis for autonomous sensor operation.
Ongoing Projects:
- Quantum cascade laser based evanescent field sensor
- Trace gas analysis with quantum cascade lasers and hollow waveguides
- Planar single-mode IR waveguides
- Deep sea IR sensors
- IR spectroelectrochemistry with doped diamondlike carbon (DLC) coated waveguides
- Nearfield THz techniques for biomolecule sensing
- New concepts in multivariate data analysis
- Fundamental IR ATR spectroscopy of mineral particles for hyperspectral imaging data interpretation
