10117995Nonlinear Upconversion Technique for Monitoring Environmental Gases (NUTMEG)ClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKOur project, Nonlinear Upconversion Technique for Monitoring Environmental Gases (NUTMEG), will develop, construct and test a portable greenhouse-gas sensor for environmental monitoring applications. We will demonstrate a platform approach targeting CO2, Methane, NOx and Ammonia monitoring. Our innovative approach uses laser upconversion in nonlinear (PPLN) waveguides to access lines of increased absorption in the mid-infrared. This allows us to make use of single-photon detectors based on silicon technology for increased sensitivity. We will build on QLM's mature gas-sensing products to provide enhanced sensitivity. We aim for the demonstrator system to be briefcase-sized and operate at eye-safe power levels, comparing favourably with current truck-mounted alternatives. The system will be field tested with all project partners. To enable this, Covesion will develop new optically packaged PPLN waveguides that push the boundaries of waveguide operation at mid-infrared wavelengths. Fraunhofer will provide testing and prototyping capabilities for enabling the improvement of the waveguide fabrication at novel wavelengths and performing sensitivity measurements.