Thorlabs Establishes PolySense Research Lab in Italy

Thorlabs Inc. has established PolySense, a joint industry-university research lab in the physics department at the Technical University of Bari, Italy, to focus on the research and development of innovative optical gas sensing systems.

The move augments Thorlabs’ current research collaborations with Vincenzo Spagnolo, an expert in optical gas sensing and associate professor at the Technical University in Bari. Professor Spagnolo will serve as the director of PolySense.

Starting from the quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy technique and employing Thorlabs’ engineering resources and manufacturing expertise, the PolySense lab aims to design and produce quartz tuning fork (QTF) designs, optimized for different operation conditions. The QTFs will be incorporated into jointly designed acoustic detection modules to produce sensor prototypes for highly sensitive real-time measurements. The end goal is to provide portable solutions for in situ and real-time gas detection, leading to advancements in breath analysis, environmental monitoring, leaks detection, hydrocarbon gas sensing and monitoring of toxic gases and explosive precursors.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Professor Spagnolo’s research group through this newly formed partnership,” said Verena Mackowiak, team leader of research projects at Thorlabs GmbH. “We look forward to identifying innovative ideas and sharing expertise to make highly sensitive QEPAS-based trace-gas sensors more accessible to a broader community.“

To support the newly formed strategic partnership, Thorlabs will provide the necessary instrumentation as well as technical staff and funding for both the research and personnel, while the university will provide the laboratory and office space as well as conduct the research.