ERC Proof of Concept project, European Research Council
Jana Jágerská/UiT Project Leader, April 2024 – September 2025
This project set out to address key technological and commercialization challenges associated with bringing on-chip trace-gas spectroscopic sensors developed within the ERC StG sCENT, TFS UiTrace, and RCN MicroSense projects to market. Our goal was to evaluate critical components of a viable product ecosystem—from photonic integration and packaging to fluidics and early market assessment.
Key Results
- Direct laser–chip coupling is feasible and robust
We demonstrated that direct butt-coupling of the laser to the photonic chip performs on par with free-space coupling. Both approaches deliver sufficient optical power, and the laser’s frequency-tuning characteristics remain intact. This success is enabled by the excellent mode-size matching and the strong suppression of facet reflections achievable with our thin-film suspended waveguides. - Integration with microfluidics is progressing
At UiT, we are assembling a custom glass microfluidic cell with a sample volume below 10 ml, designed for seamless integration with the sensor chip. Laser–chip assembly efforts will continue in collaboration with Juha Toivonen’s group at the University of Tampere. - Strong application potential across multiple sectors
Our market analysis indicates broad commercial relevance for compact, high-performance gas sensors. Promising areas include biotechnology, environmental monitoring networks, industrial process control (e.g., waste management), and agricultural emissions tracking. Opportunities also extend to space technologies and scientific payloads, where compact, low-power, high-sensitivity sensors are in strong demand.