CO2 Sensing Technology
Solid-state CO2 sensing technology
Mid Infrared CO2 Sensing Technology
Back in 2008, we launched our groundbreaking mid IR LED based CO2 sensing technology. It’s this solid-state platform that we use at the core of our sensors to achieve best-in-class records for fastest response time, lowest power consumption and longest lifetime.
We’ve been designing & developing solid-state IR CO2 sensing technology for over a decade. This is our specialist area of expertise, and it’s all we do. So we’ve got years of knowledge and experience solving your design challenges and developing solutions – across hundreds of applications.
Our CO2 sensing technology has been up into outer space, and down to the deepest depths of the ocean – and most things in between! So whatever you’re looking to do, there’s a good chance our sensors have been there and done it. And if they haven’t, our extensive experience makes us the ideal partner to join forces with.
Every day our engineers are working towards the next breakthrough and product enhancement, to make even faster, smaller, stronger, and lower power sensors to transform your applications.
How our CO2 Sensors works
Our sensors work by measuring how much infrared light is absorbed by CO2 gas. The more light that’s absorbed, the more CO2 is present. This method is known as Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) gas sensing. Light is emitted from the LED, passes through the CO2 gas and then bounces off our gold optics. The light continues its journey to the photodiode, which converts it into an electrical current. This output is then interpreted to give you an accurate CO2 measurement reading.
Our LEDs
Having an epitaxy wafer facility allows us to grow our own LEDs in-house. They’re specially tuned mid infrared LEDs, since CO2 molecules absorb in the mid range of infrared – between 4.2 to 4.4 microns. This puts us in complete control of the manufacturing process, and allows us to optimize performance and quality.
The Difference Between Solid-State and Incandescent Technology
| Performance | GSS solid-state mid IR sensor | Typical incandescent IR sensor |
|---|---|---|
| Power consumption | 3mW | 50 to 200mW |
| Start-up time | 1.2 secs (to first reading) | > 10 minutes |
| Energy per measurement | 6mJ | 1000 to 4000mJ |
| Longevity | > 15 years | Limited lifetime |
| Spectral drift over time | Zero recalibration only | Reference gas calibration needed |
| Robustness | Performs in high vibration conditions | Risk of microphony |
Tough Gas Sensing Technology for Tough Situations
Pressure
- Survival from high vacuum up to 40bar
- Operation from 400mbar up to 40bar
- Operational 20,000 pressurisation / depressurisation cycles +- / 20mbar
Shock
- 70g Half Sine shock, 6ms pulse, 15 pulses
Vibration
- 2Hz to 13.2Hz: +-3.57mm Constant Displacement
- 13.2Hz to 100Hz: +-2.5g Constant Acceleration
- 2.5grms Random sweep, 5Hz, 350Hz, 500Hz
Lifetime
- Expected lifetime: > 15 years
