xploring the application of low loss UV-guiding hollow core fibres for an enhanced gas-phase Raman instrument

Abhishek will explore the potential of recently developed, UV-guiding hollow core fibres (HCFs) for application in Raman-based gas sensing. HCFs are a specialty optical fibre where light is guided with low loss in a gas-filled core surrounded by a carefully designed microstructured cladding. Confining a gas sample within the core of a HCF enables an unprecedented gas-light interaction length.

By exploiting this, we can overcome the conventional sensitivity barrier to using Raman-based gas sensing. This project builds on our previous work but also moves in a new direction to determine the potential of this approach at UV wavelengths; this should lead to enhanced sensitivity plus the opportunity to investigate Resonant Raman effects.

Abhishek's role will be primarily experimental but he will also collaborate with colleagues working in HCF design and fabrication. Plus, he will spend ~3 months over the project duration with IS-Instruments (ISI), a UK-based SME who are keen to further develop this technology and to explore new approaches in this area. Key tasks will include:

Design UV-based HCF-based Raman gas sensing set-up. Consider portability and robust design, which could include novel integration of the HCF to improve repeatability and reduce device footprint;

Instrument build and testing [at ORC]; specifically limit of detection with non-resonant and resonant Raman schemes; instrument response time; investigation of possible interaction of confined gases with silica glass surfaces inside the HCF; extension to novel chemical reaction monitoring in-situ; Working with ISI to explore and overcome challenges of instrument development based on this scheme.