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WaterSpy: A High Sensitivity, Portable Photonic Device for Pervasive Water Quality Analysis
Nikolaos Doulamis1, Athanasios Voulodimos2,3, Anastasios Doulamis4
1National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), 15773 Athens, Greece. ndoulam@cs.ntua.gr.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 26, 2018
Summary
WaterSpy introduces a new compact, cost-effective photonic device for real-time water quality monitoring. This innovative system uses advanced Quantum Cascade Lasers and sensitive photodetectors for pervasive environmental sensing.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Environmental Science
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Current water quality monitoring methods can be expensive and lack real-time pervasive capabilities.
- There is a need for compact, cost-effective, and sensitive devices for continuous water analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the WaterSpy project, focused on developing an innovative photonic device for pervasive water quality sensing.
- To detail the device's concept, requirements, and preliminary architecture.
- To highlight the advanced technologies enabling enhanced water quality monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing advanced Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) with the Vernier effect as the light source.
- Integrating novel, fibre-coupled, Higher Operation Temperature (HOT) photodetectors for sensitive detection.
- Developing optimized laser driving, detector electronics, modulation, and signal conditioning technologies.
Main Results:
- The WaterSpy device concept is presented, outlining its potential for pervasive sensing.
- Preliminary architecture design and elicited requirements are detailed.
- Innovative technologies contributing to the advancement of water quality sensing are highlighted.
Conclusions:
- The WaterSpy project aims to provide a significant advancement in water quality sensing technology.
- The developed photonic device offers a compact, cost-effective solution for pervasive monitoring.
- The integration of QCLs and HOT photodetectors represents a novel approach to environmental sensing.
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