Mid-Infrared Vibrational-Assisted Detectors (MIRVID)

Detecting mid-infrared (MIR) light is vital for applications ranging from sensing of gases in the atmosphere to biomedical typing of
tissues, since molecules absorb at characteristic vibration bonds in the MIR. However sensitive detection of MIR light is problematic
because unlike for visible light, detectors are bulky, costly and need to be cooled. Sensitive pixelated detectors for imaging are
extremely expensive, precluding their use in many applications.
We have invented and patented a new way to more efficiently detect MIR light, by upconverting it into the visible where efficient Si
detectors are ubiquitous. While upconversion is known, it is low efficiency in all materials, which has required it to be enhanced using
short pulse lasers that are also expensive, bulky, and costly. Our devices use extreme confinement of light far below the optical
wavelength into few-nm gaps between coinage metals (such as Au or Ag). By thus confining both MIR and visible light in the same
nano-gap, the upconversion efficiency is enhanced more than a billion-fold, enabling compact cheap detectors using diode laser or
LED illumination. This leads to MIR detectors that are compact, uncooled, and much lower cost for users.
This project will develop single-pixel and array detector demonstrators, identify and tabulate the technical specifications, build links to
partners across the EU and UK, develop an IP plan, examine the capability for scale-up fabrication, and scope the range of markets
that can be accessed