Molecular sensing based on laser spectroscopy is a well-established technique which has found many embodiments in various applications. Highly sensitive systems operate in the mid-infrared but current models remain bulky and expensive.Researchers at STFC have developed a mid-infrared gas sensor using a Micro-Hollow WaveGuide (MHWG) integrated laser system. This enables miniaturisation of the system and ensures it is robust and compact. This pioneering new technology analyses gases in-situ and has shown excellent performance with measurements of several greenhouse gases. It is proposed that this new technology will have applications in environmental monitoring, industrial process monitoring, security and medical diagnosis.The miniature mid-infrared micro-fluidic gas sensing system was developed after several innovations in MHWG integrated systems and waveguide technology. The new technology has enabled ultra-miniaturisation of gas sensing systems by using a MHWG integrated laser system. This consists of the construction of an “optical circuit” in which optical functions and components are embedded. The components are linked by inscribing hollow waveguides that guide the light through the optical system. This technique has unique benefits compared to traditional open-space optical systems, including a reduced size and increased portability. In addition, the temporal response function of the system is very fast due to the small volume of gas contained within the waveguide.Further miniaturisation of the system has been proven after successful integration of a chip-like quantum cascade laser and corresponding semiconductor detector.Benefits of the TechHigh sensitivity in the mid-IR range, beneficial for molecular testingSmall size is convenient and means that the system is portableUltra-compact and extremely robust due to the optical components being integrated onto a single substrateComponents can be fully encapsulatedGives real-time resultsPotential to develop as a handheld device with laboratory grade sensitivityPossibility of low cost and high volume manufacturingWe Are Seeking We are seeking commercial partners with experience developing, manufacturing or selling sensors for applications such as:Industrial process monitoring (handheld testing in pharmaceutical and food industries)Environmental monitoring (industrial regulation, air quality monitoring, greenhouse gas emission services, pollution tracking services)Medical diagnosis (non-invasive breath analysis for early diagnosis)Security and defence (standoff explosive and chemical warfare agent detection, battlefield deployment)Why Collaborate?This is an opportunity to either:collaborate with STFC to develop a completed product and bring the technology to commercialisation, allowing you to sell this cutting edge technology first. to license the intellectual property for this technology.Next StepsIf your company has an interest in this opportunity the STFC’s Innovation Team would be delighted to hear from you. For more information or to express your interest, please select CONNECT. About STFCThe Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is a government agency that funds large international science facilities such as CERN in Switzerland and the ESS in Sweden on behalf of the UK. The STFC works collaboratively with a range of businesses across a variety of sectors enabling them to exploit its world-leading science facilities to overcome difficult product, manufacturing or process issues. Working in partnership with STFC’s experts, the Business and Innovation Directorate (BID) is collaborating with companies to develop new products, accelerate product discovery, improve processes and improve products.