Q3MD: single photon sensitive detector for methane gas detection operating at 3µm

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For the UK to reach a zero-carbon economy, the measurement, regulation, and enforcement of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions needs to rapidly expand. Natural gas (primarily CH4 methane) remains the dominant fossil fuel and industrial leaks are a leading source of GHGs. Currently there are a lack of surveying methods and equipment for the European Union's (EU) ~200,000km of high-pressure pipeline, the UK's ~7,660km of high-pressure pipeline and the ~500,000km of high-pressure pipe-line in the United States in addition to the 100s of above-ground facilities.The project seeks to develop a single photon sensitive detector for methane gas detection operating at 3µm. Methane can be detected at much lower concentrations at this wavelength than at the 1.65µm used in commercial detectors. By applying Differential Absorption Lidar and Time Correlated Single Photon Counting, we can extend the remote spectroscopy capabilities to increase the distance range or decrease the response time; by accessing the 3µm spectral region, low concentration sensitivity is to be increased up to 50-fold. In addition, we can expand the gas species and target other applications are that currently not addressable with a SWIR wavelength.The technical approach is to combine unique III-V alloy material developments with innovative science and engineering at Bay Photonics (optics packaging), Redwave Labs (control electronics) and QLM (signal processing and spectral analysis). The aim will be to optimize solid state cooling to bring the detector to very low temperatures without having recourse to Stirling engines. The project specifications, modelling and detector validation for methane applications will be led by the channel partner QLM. The overall goal is a detector resolvable to single photon/few photon level at 3 µm and evaluated in bench top prototype form.