Gas detection using microstructured optical fibre
Lead Research Organisation:
Cranfield University
Department Name: Sch of Aerospace, Transport & Manufact
Abstract
This project proposes to develop a novel gas sensor using microstuctured (for example hollow core) optical fibre, which is capable of acting both as a conduit for light and as a gas sample cell with a long optical pathlength. Gas absorption signatures will be recovered using a combination of tunable diode laser spectropscopy and digital signal processing (DSP) techniques. Engineering challenges include combining the two signal recovery techniques using a single laser diode, finding research solutions to enable gas to enter and exit the hollow core fibre, and assessing the engineering and fundamental effects on system performance and signal to noise ratios.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/N509450/1 | 01/10/2016 | 30/09/2021 | |||
| 1878650 | Studentship | EP/N509450/1 | 06/02/2017 | 06/11/2020 | James Bremner |
| Description | We have shown that it is possible to combine high resolution laser spectroscopy with DSP techniques used in fibre segment interferometry, using a single laser, so as to both measure gas concentration and locate its distance along an optical fibre linked system, effectively creating a concentration profile along the system's length. We have assessed the signal to noise limitations and tradeoffs in the DSP system, with the best system to date showing noise equivalent concentration of <20ppm across three independent gas cells. |
| Exploitation Route | We are actively developing an EPSRC proposal to take this technology forward in partnership with another university. We are in discussion with multiple collaboration partners who would provide a route to commercialisation. We envisage applications in gas detection for industrial safety and potentially environmental monitoring. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Energy,Environment |
| Description | Distributed gas sensing using hollow core optical fibre |
| Amount | £860,840 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/X012182/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2022 |
| End | 04/2026 |
| Description | Distributed gas sensing using hollow core optical fibre |
| Amount | £548,710 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/X011674/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2022 |
| End | 04/2026 |
| Description | IAA: Demonstration system for distributed gas detection |
| Amount | £9,393 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 11/2019 |
| End | 03/2020 |
| Description | IAA: Optical fibre - linked gas sensors |
| Amount | £36,244 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2020 |
| End | 03/2022 |
| Description | Collaboration with Southampton University |
| Organisation | University of Southampton |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Provision of advice on TDLS and suitable lasers. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provision of specialist structured optical fibre, and training in handling thereof. |
| Impact | None yet |
| Start Year | 2017 |
| Title | FLUID SENSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS |
| Description | An interferometric fluid sensing system is provided. The system comprises: a laser; a plurality of first fibre portions arranged to receive laser light from the laser, wherein each of the first fibre portions comprises a void and an opening to allow fluid from the environment around the corresponding first fibre portion to enter the void, wherein the first fibre portions are configured such that the laser light received by each first fibre portion passes through the corresponding void; a second fibre portion configured to provide a reference arm for the interferometric fluid sensing system; and a detector arranged to receive light from the first and second fibre portions, wherein the system is configured such that the laser light that passes through the void of each first fibre portion is caused to interfere with the light passing through the second fibre portion at or before reaching the detector, wherein each of the first fibre portions is arranged such that that light passing through the void of each first fibre portion travels from the laser to the detector over a different path length from the light passing through the voids of the other first fibre portions, wherein the system is configured such that the wavelength of light provided by the laser varies with time according to a modulated function, the modulated function comprising a first function, which varies through a range of wavelengths, modulated by a second, cyclical carrier function. An interferometric fluid detection method is also provided. |
| IP Reference | WO2020049287 |
| Protection | Patent application published |
| Year Protection Granted | 2020 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | N/A |