Infrared (IR) thermometry has proven to be an ideal tool for food control inspectors and regulators. A means of measuring food temperature from afar and under versatile conditions, IR thermometers are used to detect food that has started to go bad, improving food quality and increasing productivity. Now, Graphenea and the research institute ICFO (Institute of Photonic Sciences located near Barcelona) have been awarded a project to produce high sensitivity hybrid graphene – quantum dot infrared photodetectors for food control applications. The project will be funded under the RETOS scheme.

RETOS, funded by the Ministry of Industry and Competitiveness of Spain, offers incentives for public-private collaborations, specifically facilitating the creation of joint R&D+i projects between research organizations and companies. These projects help to promote innovation, attracting private investment, generating employment and improving the technology base in the county. This call in particular aimed at research specifically targeting Societal Challenges.

Photo: Wafer with graphene devices.

The project “Wafer-scale manufacturing of hybrid graphene - quantum dot infrared detectors for food control applications” (original Spanish title is “Detectores infrarrojos híbridos basados en grafeno y puntos cuánticos para seguridad alimentaria fabricados a escala de oblea” - GRAQDOBLEA) will develop a working prototype of a wafer scale image sensor array based on ICFO’s unique hybrid graphene – quantum dot technology. The technology was developed by the two research groups that are leading the project together with Graphenea, teams led by professors Gerasimos Konstantatos and Frank Koppens.