On-chip hybrid dual-comb spectroscopic sensing of chemical threats.
Abstract
Sensitive identification and quantification of gaseous species is essential for defense-related applications including detection of chemical warfare agents, explosives, clinical diagnostics of human breath, and many others. The proposed research will explore and develop a novel trace-gas spectroscopic sensing modality, termed hybrid dual-comb spectroscopic sensing, for ultrasensitive detection of chemical threats on an integrated chip-scale platform. It is expected to offer unprecedented performance in spectral coverage, spectral selectivity, detection sensitivity, operation speed, multielement sensing capability, and power consumption. The modality will leverage transformative innovations in frequency comb engineering, spectroscopic sensing enhancement, and chip-scale system miniaturization and integration. To this end, we have assembled a team of world-leading experts in chipscale optical frequency comb generation and spectroscopy (Vahala), microcavity-based sensing (Lu, Lin), micro/nanophotonic device fabrication (Vahala, Lin, Lu), and integrated nonlinear photonics (Lin, Vahala) to conduct fundamental research directed at the science and technology underlying the proposed sensing modality, and focused on defense-relevant applications. The team brings extensive experience and a complete set of design, fabrication, and characterization capability in all related areas of the proposed program. We will adopt a fully integrated research approach that will leverage the complementary expertise and capabilities of our individual sub-teams to facilitate the exploration and development of the novel spectroscopic sensing modality. The proposed research is expected to offer an elegant chip-scale integrated solution for in-situ real-time multi-component trace gas spectroscopic sensing that would significantly advance sensing performance compared with the state-of-the-art. The success of proposed research will provide a superior integrated solution for a variety of gas sensing needs in defense science and technology, which is expected to significantly advance the C-WMD science and capability of detecting chemical threats.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 16, 2019
- Source ID
- HDTRA11810047
Entities
People
- Kerry Vahala
Organizations
- California Institute of Technology
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency