Gas sensors are widely used in numerous industries to ensure that safety, air quality, and industrial processes are maintained. Gas monitoring has been particularly widely used in sectors such as environmental monitoring, industrial applications, and security systems.
Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) have emerged as a critical component in gas safety testing devices, thanks to the levels of precision, tunability, and ability to detect specific gas molecules at trace levels. However, their use has not been without its challenges.
One of the main barriers to using QCLs has historically been the levels of complexity. High voltage and current requirements, along with the need for advanced temperature regulation, have often made QCLs difficult to integrate into compact systems.
Enter mirSense, a French innovator that is democratising access to these advanced tools for OEMs and R&D professionals, with novel electronics that enable pulsed operation, drastically reducing power consumption. CEO Mathieu Carras explains: "QCLs historically have been quite complicated to use. But, when you operate in pulsed mode, you only drive the laser for a fraction of the time. This brings total power consumption down to a few hundred milliwatts, compared to several watts in continuous wave operation. It’s a game-changer for integration.”
A new frontier in gas detection
mirSense specialises in QCLs operating between 4 and 25 microns, with a particularly unique capability in the spectral region of 10–17 microns. This range can provide precise gas detection solutions tailored to critical problems. For example, detecting radioactive methyl iodide (CH₃I), a significant public safety concern during nuclear power plant accidents, is possible at 11.3 microns.
To put this into context, in the event of a nuclear incident such as Fukushima or Three Mile Island, radioactive methyl iodide spreads in a gaseous phase, which is a major concern for public safety. One day of shutdown at a nuclear power plant can cost $1m, so plant operators need immediate, reliable assessments. QCLs in this wavelength can deliver the capability to perform such crucial measurements, and accurate detection to provide critical details about the problem inside the reactor, helping operators take corrective action swiftly.
Enabling next-generation applications
mirSense’s uniMir QCLs are designed with selectivity in mind, and a suitable for a wide range of uses, from nuclear safety to industrial process monitoring and environmental analysis. Carras elaborates, “We can detect gases like benzene, which traditional photoionisation detection methods struggle with, and even uranium hexafluoride (UF₆). For UF₆, for example, our QCLs can measure the enrichment ratio of uranium isotopes optically, which is invaluable in nuclear applications.”
These technologies have applications beyond research. As Carras notes, “We’ve seen growing interest in real-world applications, particularly in sectors like defense, energy, and safety. However, as with any cutting-edge technology, adoption takes time. Between our innovation and the final use, there’s always the need for labs to develop solutions before systems are fully realised.”
mirSense also offers complete gas sensor solutions, which include its proprietary QCLs. These compact sensors, measuring 10 cm³, are equipped to detect multiple gases simultaneously. “Our aim is to make QCLs accessible and easy to use,” says Carras. “For OEMs, we provide not just the lasers but also the electronics and support they need to develop their own systems.”
Frankfurt Laser Company (FLC) adds to this with its complementary solutions, such as the 360° Line Laser Diode Module for pipe inspection. This tool is designed to detect corrosion, cracks, and misalignments from inside pipes, enhancing safety and maintenance in industrial settings, pictured below.
(Credit: Frankfurt Laser)
Collaboration with Frankfurt Laser Company
FLC has been a long-standing partner of mirSense, distributing its QCLs across Germany, Austria, and neighboring countries. This collaboration is playing a key role in promoting the adoption of QCL technology in Europe’s industrial and research markets.
“Our relationship with Frankfurt Laser Company is essential,” says Carras. “They are our main distributor in the region, helping us reach OEMs and researchers who are exploring what’s possible with QCLs. Germany is an important market, particularly given its focus on R&D, and FLC’s expertise has been invaluable.”
“As a company deeply committed to innovation, we at Frankfurt Laser Company are thrilled to see how mirSense’s QCL technology is transforming industries. By offering compact, efficient, and precise solutions, they are bridging the gap between advanced photonics and practical applications,” says Dr. Vesevolod Mazo, founder and general manager at FLC. “Our collaboration with mirSense allows us to provide cutting-edge tools to researchers and OEMs, empowering them to tackle complex challenges in safety, environmental monitoring, and beyond.”
Vertically integrated innovation
mirSense’s vertical integration is a key differentiator in the photonics market. The company handles every stage of production, from designing the semiconductor materials to manufacturing QCL chips and integrating them into sensors. This approach allows highly customised solutions for clients.
“Our QCLs are based on multilayer semiconductor designs, with thousands of layers that must be precisely controlled,” explains Carras. “Because we handle everything in-house, we can react quickly to client needs and develop specific solutions efficiently.”
This flexibility extends to the supply chain. “For some clients, we sell components at different levels of integration, whether it’s the raw chips, modules, or complete systems,” says Carras. “Our goal is to meet clients wherever they are in their development process.”
The future of QCL technology
While the adoption of QCL technology is still growing, mirSense is optimistic about its potential to transform industries. “We’re working to make this technology widely known and accessible,” says Carras. “Our QCLs have the ability to solve real problems, and we’re committed to supporting our clients as they integrate these tools into their applications.”
FLC shares this vision, emphasising the importance of educating the market about QCL capabilities. “Educating the market about the potential of QCLs is a shared mission between FLC and mirSense,” adds Dr. Mazo. “The ability to detect gases at trace levels, paired with complementary tools like our 360° Line Laser Module, opens up new frontiers for industries striving for precision and reliability. Together, we aim to simplify integration and accelerate the adoption of these transformative technologies.”
mirSense, in collaboration with FLC, is working to pave the way for a new era in gas detection, thanks to photonics innovation. With a focus on simplifying integration and supporting OEMs, mirSense is empowering researchers and industry leaders to unlock the full potential of QCLs. As industries pursue greater efficiency and safety, such collaboration between manufacturers, distributors, and end-users will be crucial in this exciting new technology forward.
For more detailed information about the recent advancements in quantum cascade lasers and their applications in fields such as environmental monitoring, industrial process control, and, critically, nuclear safety, download our latest White Paper. It discusses the technology’s underlying principles, the benefits of long-wavelength detection, reveals the real-world applications, and highlights the advantages of mirSense's uniMir QCLs, specifically their operation in the 10-19 micron wavelength range.
