Researcher and industry develop together optical sensor measuring air pollution
Samu-Pekka Ojanen, doctoral researcher who completed his master’s degree in the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at Tampere University, is excited: he recently delivered a well-received presentation introducing his dissertation research in photonics, the science of light, at a pitching contest for young researchers, which was organised in connection with the prestigious Millennium Technology Prize. The study brings together Tampere University, the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and Vaisala to develop a silicon-based, microscale gas sensor that is capable of manipulating light and measuring air pollution in real time.
Samu-Pekka Ojanen is now studying the microsensor in the DSII (Doctoral School of Industry Innovations) program at Tampere University. Half of the funding for Ojanen's doctoral research comes from Vaisala, a global leader in weather, environmental and industrial measurement solutions. Ojanen started his research in the DSII program in January 2019.
“Our vision is to create a network of gas sensors that is designed for an urban environment and provides real-time data, for example, about the amount of carbon dioxide in the air,” Ojanen says.
The technology holds promise for countless applications, but there is still some way to go before they become commercially available. For example, real-time data from gas sensors installed in cars could in future be available via IoT for a cell phone app that could warn of high air pollution level in the area.
Effective collaboration between partners with complementary capabilities
The push to find alternatives for conventional optical sensors, which are not only expensive and bulky but also consume a significant amount of energy, served as an inspiration for the study. The partners are now developing a light-based sensor which is made by combining a semiconductor light source with a silicon-based integrated photonics circuit.
“Vaisala was intrigued by ORC’s world-class expertise on semiconductor light sources, and VTT had a silicon-based photonic integrated circuit (PIC) that was compatible with ORC’s devices. Vaisala brought to the project its world-leading technical expertise on air quality sensors,” Samu-Pekka Ojanen describes the launch of the collaboration.
The underlying light source was created as a result of the previous collaborative undertaking between the partners, the MIREGAS project that has already been concluded.
“Our light source is unique even on a global scale, because it contains a thicker layer of silicon and therefore is able to accommodate longer wavelengths and makes the integration of semiconductor light sources on the PIC easier. In addition, the laser source delivers improved measurement accuracy with smaller optical losses.”
A promising light source has already been developed under laboratory conditions at Tampere University. The next step is to build a prototype that will be integrated into an authentic gas detection system for testing purposes.
“The end result will be a robust, reliable and low-power chip that easily fits within the tip of a finger. Being suitable for mass production, it will also be affordable.”
DSII brings together researchers and industry partners
Doctoral researchers who join the four-year DSII programme are receiving support from a partner company while undertaking dissertation research at Tampere University. The collaboration creates mutual benefits: DSII gives companies access to the latest research results so they can develop their technologies and products further and offers researchers the opportunity to translate their scientific discoveries into practical applications. The arrangement also brings financial benefits for both parties.
DSII enables doctoral researchers who have set their sights on executive or specialist careers to carry out dissertation research while at the same time becoming familiar with the latest innovation methods, resolving business challenges and expanding their professional networks.
“DSII gives doctoral researchers first-hand insights into the impact of their research. Seeing how research findings can actually be incorporated into practice makes research feel more meaningful,” Ojanen notes.
Samu-Pekka Ojanen will leave DSII in December 2022 when he graduates with a doctoral degree in engineering.
As yet, Ojanen has no clear-cut plans for life after university but he is well set to make a difference for both careers in industry or academia.
“I’d like to focus on the practical applications of research because it is something tangible and meaningful. In the future, I would like to take part in developing new photonics-related technologies. Silicon-based photonic integrated circuits have a number of other applications, for example, in medicine and quantum computing,” Ojanen sheds light on his future plans.
Read more about ORC and DSII and watch the pitches delivered at the Millennium Pitching Contest.
Contact
Samu-Pekka Ojanen
samu-pekka.ojanen [at] tuni.fi (samu-pekka[dot]ojanen[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Text: Anna Aatinen
