Power Efficient, Miniature Mid-Infrared Sensor

The subtopic described the need for a multi-gas sensor that is power efficient, consistent with a wearable form factor, and can reliably operate under a wide range of temperature, humidity, and pressure conditions. We propose an integrated carbon dioxide and ammonia gas sensor that can reach the required dynamic range, accuracy, and sensitivity even under significant environmental variation. We employ distributed feedback quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) to perform intrapulse spectroscopy in the mid-infrared, which allows us to reach targeted sensitivities with ultra-low duty cycle measurements to dramatically reduces power consumption and system complexity. Pendars expertise in monolithic quantum cascade laser integration will enable integration of multiple quantum cascade lasers to incorporate detection of several gases,all within a system footprint compatible with spacesuit sensing applications. Traditional molecular sensors such as electrochemical, metal oxide, catalytic and non-dispersive infrared (NDIR), lack sensitivity and selectivity, and precision spectrometers are bulky and power hungry. Pendar's proposed sensor allows sensitive spectroscopy in the mid-infrared fingerprinting region that can account for temperature and pressure variations without system recalibration. We have a robust solution for operating our quantum cascade laser (QCL) source at very low duty cycles to reduce power consumption to below 400 mW. The proposed sensor can be easily incorporated into a spacesuit because the laser source is chip-scale, a single detection system can serve multiple sensing channels, and very short sensing paths are required due to the high signal to noise ratio. Phase II work will focus on building a sensor that meets the sensitivity, power consumption, size, and weight requirements of a spacesuit sensor. A unique feature of Pendar’s sensing platform is the ability to integrate multiple lasers on the same miniature platform to enable detection of multiple gases simultaneously without increasing form factor or power consumption. Our Phase II sensor will be designed to target carbon dioxide and ammonia, which both are critical to this application.  Custom electronics and algorithms will be developed to enable continuous sensing over specified temperature and humidity ranges relevant for this application. Two prototypes will be built in Year 2 of the Phase II program. One will be delivered to NASA for on-site testing in Q3 of Year 2.

The proposed system is directly relevant to the design of the new Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU). The intended goal of the proposed gas measurements is to ensure that the spacesuit maintains a safe environment without drawing significant power. The proposed CO2 sensor can be adopted for capnography (CO2 detection in breath), and for indoor/outdoor air quality control by measuring CO2 in ambient air. The miniaturized sensing platform can also be easily adapted to target chemical threats for Department of Homeland Security, and natural gas leaks for Department of Energy and the oil and gas industry.

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