UP-conversion of Single photons for ENvironmental SEnsing (UPSENSE) is a collaborative partnership involving project lead QLM Technology, Covesion, The University of Bristol, and Fraunhofer UK Research. Supported by £425,000 of funding from Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, the consortium aims to deliver significant improvements in the sensitivity and efficiency of gas detection, with a view to reducing industrial emissions and enabling more effective monitoring.
Reducing human contributions to global warming and achieving net-zero emissions are some of the greatest challenges of our time. The UPSENSE project is helping to tackle this issue by developing advanced technology for detecting methane and other greenhouse gases.
Methane is the dominant component of natural gas and is increasingly used as a cleaner alternative to other fossil fuels. However, industrial methane leaks are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing significantly to global warming. Following COP26, the focus on reducing methane emissions has increased, alongside tightening legislation and regulatory demands.
Existing gas detection systems, while effective, often rely on bulky equipment and labour-intensive processes. There is a need for more sensitive, scalable, and portable solutions that can provide continuous monitoring of methane and other gases.
UPSENSE leverages quantum technology to enhance the detection of greenhouse gases. The project builds on the work of QLM Technology, which has developed an infrared LiDAR camera capable of visualising, locating, and quantifying gas leaks. While this technology has set a new benchmark for gas detection, UPSENSE aims to push the innovation further.
The project will focus on the development of an advanced photon up-conversion technology. This involves converting photons in the near and mid infra-red wavelength regions into visible wavelengths for detection by Silicon Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs). Silicon SPADs provide single photon sensitivity and lower cost in comparison to Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) detectors, which are limited in their sensitivity and wavelength coverage.
This approach will enable detection of gases at absorption lines previously unreachable, extending capabilities to wavelengths to beyond 1.6μm. The result will be a significant improvement in methane detection sensitivity, supporting applications ranging from fixed installations to handheld and drone-based systems. This technology will also open up the possibility of detecting more varied gas species with high sensitivity in a wavelength region where there are limited solutions.
The research team at Covesion are developing the quantum up-conversion technology that underpins UPSENSE. By utilising MgO:PPLN crystals, Covesion is creating a highly efficient wavelength conversion system tailored to the needs of the project, allowing for the precise conversion of long-wavelength infrared photons into visible wavelengths, ensuring compatibility with Silicon SPAD detectors.
UPSENSE has the potential to make a significant contribution to the UK government’s net-zero goals. By improving the sensitivity and efficiency of greenhouse gas detection, the project will aid industries in reducing emissions and complying with stringent regulations. This, in turn, will create new market opportunities for UK-based manufacturers like QLM Technology and Covesion. In addition to its environmental benefits, the project will advance the UK’s quantum technology capabilities. The University of Bristol and Fraunhofer UK will gain valuable experience and insights, supporting future research and development initiatives.
UPSENSE is an 18 month project, commencing in September 2022.
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