IR detectors based on CVD graphene

By detecting ethanol on the driver's breath, drunk driving can be prevented. Controlling the air quality indoors (via CO2 sensors) helps maintaining an optimal human cognitive functioning, better health, positive environmental impact and minimizing energy costs.

The main project objectives are:
1) Development of mid-infrared (MIR) detectors to be used within Senseair’s CO2 and alcohol sensors by using large-area CVD graphene with coupled metal antenna elements.
2) Investigation on how to scale up the technology for industrial applications with improved performance, yield, cost and ease of integration into electronic sensor systems in mind.

The optical response of the detector can be enhanced by optimization of the interaction between the graphene and the coupled antenna elements, resulting in simultaneous improvement of both light absorption and photocarrier collection. Improved semiconductor processing methods compatible with wafer-scale CVD graphene will allow for volume production of detectors at a high technology readiness level.

The consortium combines complementary competence in graphene modelling and processing/characterization of detectors at RISE/KTH/Halmstad university with gas sensor expertise at Senseair AB to form a research environment well equipped to reach the project goals.