Ultra-broadband infrared gas sensor for pollution detection

Air pollution is one of the largest risk factors for premature death, yet current portable monitoring technology cannot provide adequate protection at a local community level.

TRIAGE will develop a smart, compact and cost-effective air quality sensor network for the hyperspectral detection of all relevant atmospheric pollution gases Resolution and selectivity are two orders of magnitude better than current solutions for lower cost Cloud-based, deep-learning algorithms enable automated short-term alerts and long-term trend analysis Community-based testing is agreed with Swedish and Swiss environmental agencies and transport companiesThe sensor is based on an innovative, mid-IR supercontinuum laser providing ultra-bright emission from 2-10 m in the infrared fingerprint region.

The latest spectroscopic technology, including novel multi-pass cell and detectors, enables real-time detection of all major harmful gaseous components of air pollution with high sensitivity and selectivity, at levels far below the Immediate Danger to Life and Health (IDLH) concentrations. Precision multi-gas detection allows studies of synergistic effects from combinations of gases for the first time.

In-built chemometric analysis and cloud connection will feed deep-learning algorithms and data storage to enable analysis ranging from long-term trends in air pollution to urgent local alerts.This smart photonic approach enables pervasive community-based sensing, allowing inventories of emitted pollutants and identification of pollution hotspots.

Agreements with local authorities in Stockholm and Neuchtel for distributed pollution monitoring from municipal buildings and with local bus companies in Sweden and Switzerland for mobile validation are in place.A comprehensive advisory board, TRIAGE-NET, ensures participation from end-users, large industrial players, environment agencies and local public communities.

Outline business cases for commercialization are provided.