Miniaturized infrared detectors

Integration on a chip: Tremendous effects on spectrometers of different kinds – and in various fields

31-Oct-2022 - Switzerland

Extreme miniaturization of infrared (IR) detectors is critical for their integration into next-generation consumer electronics, wearables and ultra-small satellites. Thus far, however, IR detectors have relied on bulky (and expensive) materials and technologies. A team of scientists lead by Empa researcher Ivan Shorubalko now succeeded in developing a cost-effective miniaturization process for IR spectrometers based on a quantum dot photodetector, which can be integrated on a single chip, as they report in Nature Photonics.

Lars Lüder

This is how the IR spectrometer works: The photodetector, fabricated on top of a surface optical waveguide, consists of a bottom gold electrode at the bottom functioning as a scattering center, a photoactive layer (consisting of colloidal mercury telluride – HgTe – quantum dots), and a top gold electrode. By moving the mirror, the measured photocurrent maps the light intensity of the standing wave. i.e. the IR light. A Fourier transformation of the measured signal gives the optical spectra.

Miniaturization of infrared spectrometers will lead to their wider use in consumer electronics, such as smartphones enabling food control, the detection of hazardous chemicals, air pollution monitoring and wearable electronics. They can be used for the quick and easy detection of certain chemicals without using laboratory equipment. Moreover, they can be useful for the detection of counterfeit medical drugs as well as of greenhouse gases such as methane and CO2.

A Team of scientists at Empa, ETH Zurich, EPFL, the University of Salamanca, Spain, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the University of Basel now built a proof-of-concept miniaturized Fourier-transform waveguide spectrometer that incorporates a subwavelength photodetector as a light sensor, consisting of colloidal mercury telluride quantum dot (Hg Te) and compatible with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology, as they report in the recent issue of Nature Photonics.

Tremendous effects on spectrometers of different kinds – and in various fields

The resulting spectrometer exhibits a large spectral bandwidth and moderate spectral resolution of 50 cm−1 at a total active spectrometer volume below 100 μm × 100 μm × 100 μm. This ultra-compact spectrometer design allows the integration of optical-analytical measurement instruments into consumer electronics and space devices. "The monolithic integration of subwavelength IR photodetectors has a tremendous effect on the scaling of Fourier-transform waveguide spectrometers", says Empa researcher Ivan Shorubalko. "But this may also be of great interest for miniaturized Raman spectrometers, biosensors and lab-on-a-chip devices as well as the development of high-resolution snapshot hyperspectral cameras."

Original publication

Other news from the department science

These products might interest you

NANOPHOX CS

NANOPHOX CS by Sympatec

Particle size analysis in the nano range: Analyzing high concentrations with ease

Reliable results without time-consuming sample preparation

particle analyzers
PlasmaQuant 9100

PlasmaQuant 9100 by Analytik Jena

PlasmaQuant 9100 Series of ICP-OES Instruments

Reveal the Details That Matter

ICP-OES spectrometer
SPECORD PLUS

SPECORD PLUS by Analytik Jena

SPECORD PLUS Series - Maximum precision in UV/Vis

The modern classic guarantees the highest quality

contrAA 800

contrAA 800 by Analytik Jena

contrAA 800 Series – Atomic Absorption. Redefined

The best of classical atomic absorption and ICP-OES spectrometry are combined in the contrAA 800

ICP-OES spectrometer
ZEEnit

ZEEnit by Analytik Jena

Zeeman Technology for Maximum Sensitivity – Matching any Analytical Problem

Transverse-heated graphite furnace for optimum atomization conditions and high sample throughput

AAS spectrometers
INVENIO

INVENIO by Bruker

FT-IR spectrometer of the future: INVENIO

Freely upgradeable and configurable FT-IR spectrometer

FTIR spectrometers
ALPHA II

ALPHA II by Bruker

Chemical analysis made easy: compact FT-IR system

Increase the efficiency of your routine analyses with user-friendly technology

FTIR spectrometers
Microspectrometer

Microspectrometer by Hamamatsu Photonics

Ultra-compact microspectrometer for versatile applications

Precise Raman, UV/VIS and NIR measurements in portable devices

microspectrometers
ERASPEC

ERASPEC by eralytics

Spectral Fuel Analysis in Seconds with ERASPEC

Fast delivery of over 40 fuel parameters at the push of a button

Agera

Agera by HunterLab Europe

Measure color and gloss level simultaneously - in seconds

Easy-to-use colorimeter: standard-compliant, robust and precise

colorimeters
PlasmaQuant MS Elite

PlasmaQuant MS Elite by Analytik Jena

LC-ICP-MS Is the Key to the World of Elemental Species

Highest Sensitivity and Lowest Detection Limits with PlasmaQuant MS Series and PQ LC

novAA®  800

novAA® 800 by Analytik Jena

The Analyzer 4 You - novAA 800-Series

The reliable all-rounder, making routine analysis efficient and cost-effective

2060 Raman Analyzer

2060 Raman Analyzer by Metrohm

Self-calibrating inline Raman spectrometer

Analyze solids, liquids and gases - for reproducible, accurate results in the process

LUMiFlector

LUMiFlector by LUM

Inline & Atline MRS Spectrometer for Determination of Product Properties within a Few Seconds

It determines fat, protein and dry matter content in milk and dairy products

spectrometers
S2 PICOFOX

S2 PICOFOX by Bruker

Fast and precise trace element analysis on the move

TXRF technology for minimal samples and maximum efficiency

total reflection x-ray fluorescence spectrometers
S4 T-STAR

S4 T-STAR by Bruker

TXRF spectrometer: Sub-ppb detection limits & 24/7 analytics

Minimal operating costs because no gases, media or lab equipment are required

total reflection x-ray fluorescence spectrometers
Micro-Z ULS

Micro-Z ULS by Rigaku

Accurately measure sulphur content in fuels: WDXRF analyser

Reliable routine analyses with 0.3 ppm detection limit and compact design

WDXRF spectrometers
ZSX Primus IV/IVi

ZSX Primus IV/IVi by Rigaku

High-precision WDXRF analysis for industrial applications

Maximum sensitivity and throughput for light elements and complex samples

BIOS ANALYTIQUE - Soluciones de Renting y Leasing para laboratorios

BIOS ANALYTIQUE - Soluciones de Renting y Leasing para laboratorios by Bios Analytique

Specialists in the rental and leasing of scientific equipment for laboratories throughout Europe

Whether you have an unexpected requirement or limited budget, we have the perfect solution for you

lab equipment
SPECTRO ARCOS

SPECTRO ARCOS by SPECTRO Analytical Instruments

The inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) for highest demands

The top-of-line SPECTRO ARCOS ICP-OES analyzer evolves elemental analysis to the next level

ICP-OES spectrometer
Loading...

More news from our other portals

So close that even
molecules turn red...

See the theme worlds for related content

Topic World Spectroscopy

Investigation with spectroscopy gives us unique insights into the composition and structure of materials. From UV-Vis spectroscopy to infrared and Raman spectroscopy to fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy, spectroscopy offers us a wide range of analytical techniques to precisely characterize substances. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of spectroscopy!

70+ products
40+ whitepaper
60+ brochures
View topic world
Topic World Spectroscopy

Topic World Spectroscopy

Investigation with spectroscopy gives us unique insights into the composition and structure of materials. From UV-Vis spectroscopy to infrared and Raman spectroscopy to fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy, spectroscopy offers us a wide range of analytical techniques to precisely characterize substances. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of spectroscopy!

70+ products
40+ whitepaper
60+ brochures