Simon - Gas Detection via Quantum Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Gas Detection via Quantum Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

This seminar, given by Simon, will happend on 26 January 2024, at 15:0. It will take place in Room 405 24/25.

Find a map of the campus here.

Abstract

In recent years, the detection of organic compounds has become crucial for addressing security, health, and environmental concerns. The ability to measure low concentrations of gases like methane, methanol, and nitrogenous compounds is vital for practical applications such as medical diagnoses and pollution prevention. While conventional Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers face limitations in the mid-infrared region due to noisy detectors, quantum photonic interference has emerged as a promising solution. Our work presents a quantum FTIR spectrometer with unprecedented sensitivity achieved through spectral entanglement in highly stable Michelson interferometer. We greatly enhanced the spectrometer’s sensitivity, by probing the gas over 2m-long interferometer arms, as well as employing innovative post-processing techniques. Thus we were able to detect faint absorption lines of gases in ambiant air, including ethanol, methanol, and acetone. This breakthrough opens avenues for practical on-field applications, demonstrating the potential of quantum FTIR spectroscopy.