Remote Advanced Infrared optical fibers Sensors based on Soft glasses (RAISES)

• Grant number: 24/04675-7
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Agreement: ANR
• Principal Investigator: Danilo Manzani
• Grantee: Danilo Manzani
• Principal researcher abroad: Frédéric Désévédavy
• Institution abroad: Université de Bourgogne, France
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Euclydes Marega Junior ; Juliana Mara Pinto de Almeida ; Lucas Carvalho Veloso Rodrigues ; Rômulo Augusto Ando ; Victor Anthony Garcia Rivera ; Younes Messaddeq
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/22354-3 - Development of a greenhouse gas sensor based on OH-free tellurite glasses doped with rare-earth ions, BP.PD

Abstract

The near and mid-infrared spectra, which corresponds to the vibrational resonances of chemical bonds, holds substantial significance in various technological domains, particularly in sensing applications. Furthermore, the 3-5 ¼m and 8-14 ¼m atmospheric transparency windows enhance its practical applicability. Optical fibers, due to their extended interaction length, offer a promising photonic platform for sensing systems. In this context, the RAISES project endeavors to develop new functional infrared (IR) glasses and optical fibers using tellurite and chalcogenide materials. The targeted areas encompass IR photonic materials, chemical optical sensors and luminescent temperature gauges. The project entails the design of original fibers with functionalized glass surfaces coated with luminescent rare-earth ions and layers containing ligands. Nanoparticle-coated fibers will be explored for surface-enhanced spectroscopy and monitoring of photocatalysis yields. The RAISES project also focuses on the development of functional glass fibers that integrate advancements in mid-IR fibered light sources based on supercontinuum generation (SCG) in tellurite and chalcogenide glass fibers. The main objective is to create fibers capable of combining the functions of both an IR light source and a sensing element. Work package WP1 will be dedicated to the development and characterization of the glass material, WP2 to its functionalization. WP3 will focus on shaping the glass into fibers and alternative geometries such as tapers or microspheres. WP4 will involve the functionalization of fiber surfaces and sensing experiments. Drawing on the complementary expertise of both partners in the field of glass materials containing nanoparticles, glass surface functionalization, sensing, soft glass optical fibers and mid-IR SCG, this project lays the foundation for development of groundbreaking waveguides and cutting-edge photonic platforms giving rise to new optical components for sensing. (AU)