Eurostars

The project will develop a highly sensitive and selective multi-species laser gas sensor to detect open paths of methane, ethane and hydrogen sulphide leakage from oil and gas extraction and oil refineries. The sensor will be based on laser dispersion spectroscopy (CLaDS) techniques in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectral region and employs monolithic, widely tunable Vernier quantum laser (QCL) lasers and MCT high-bandwidth photodetectors.

As part of the project, VIGO Photonics has developed an integrated optoelectronic infrared detector module, intended for a spectrophotometer developed by foreign partners. This task required modification of the existing technology of assembly and testing of the detector itself and the entire detection module. Currently produced detectors were mounteded in a hermetic housing and only then connected with the electronic part of the preamplifier. As part of the first part of the project, the assembly technology was developed, in which the most important was the development of the detection structure positioning technology and testing of linearity, field of view and detector sensitivity. In the second step, a fast ~ 1 GHz linear impedance matched preamplifier was developed. The encapsulation technology was also improved in terms of ensuring long, trouble-free operation. In the last stage, the detector was integrated with the preamplifier, and the whole was hermetized. After completion of the detection module, tests and calibration operations of the device were performed, and then the entire system was handed over to a co-partner for further integration. The supplied modules are one of the main components of the coherent dispersive spectrometer developed in the project.