Researchers at the Institute of Technical Physics and Materials Science of the HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research (HUN-REN EK MFA) have produced a new type of prototype kit, which, with the capacity, background technology and infrastructure available at the institute, creates a suitable basis for further technological developments for hazardous environments, industrial and defense applications. The aim of the project was to develop integrated sensing technologies that remain operational under extreme or highly loaded environmental conditions and can detect hazardous substances, physical impacts, or environment-security parameters quickly and reliably. The developments relied on the cleanroom and materials-characterization infrastructure of HUN-REN EK-MFA, and focused on three main technological areas: vibroacoustic sensing, gas-sensing systems, and radiation-detection solutions.
Developing sensors that remain operational under extreme environmental conditions is crucial in industrial safety, emergency response and environmental protection. In situations involving fire, smoke, high temperatures or radiation, conventional sensors often degrade rapidly, even though their reliable data is of crucial need. The aim of the project was to create integrated sensor technologies that can operate under such harsh conditions, can be manufactured in small series, and are capable of detecting hazardous chemicalsor physical effects quickly and reliably. The developments relied on the micro- and nanotechnology infrastructure of the HUN-REN EK-MFA enable the fabrication of highly specialized sensing elements in-house.
The research focused on three main areas: i) gas-sensing devices, ii) vibroacoustic sensors sensitive to mechanical and acoustic excitation, and iii) compact detectors for ionising radiation. Each of these contributes in a different way to improved environmental safety and the monitoring of critical infrastructures.
In the field of gas detection, two distinct technological approaches were realized. The first is a chemoresistive microsensor chip by integrating multiple micro-heaters, which can be combined with various gas sensing layers to detect various toxic gases, such as hydrogen sulphide or ammonia. A portable, Bluetooth-enabled readout electronics module was built around the chip, allowing stable operation in field conditions. The second development is a micro-channel optical (NDIR) gas detector, where light propagates through a photolithographically patterned, mirror-coated channel. The aim was to implement the operating principle of large laboratory NDIR instruments in a compact, miniature low-power device. The optical and electronic integration of this system was completed, and the operational principle was successfully demonstrated.
The second development line targeted vibroacoustic sensing. These sensors are designed for monitoring environments involving high temperatures, mechanical loads or radiation, where conventional MEMS accelerometers become unreliable. The project investigated GaN-based piezoelectric structures and developed low-power signal-processing electronics. The resulting system was capable of classifying vehicles via detecting ground vibrations and estimating drone position from acoustic signatures, offering promising applications in the protection of critical infrastructure.
The third focus area was radiation detection, which led to the development of a portable gamma background monitor prototype. The device features a stainless-steel housing, LoRaWAN communication and graphical data visualization. It operated reliably for several months both as a vehicle-mounted and as a fixed installation. Its compact design and long-term field performance indicate strong potential for environmental monitoring, and by offering a drone integrable device with further miniaturization it may be integrated to drone platforms.
Overall, the project demonstrated that domestic micro- and nanosensor development is capable of producing functional prototypes that already perform well in relevant field conditions. These technologies provide a solid basis for subsequent engineering development or industrial cooperation, and may contribute to safer emergency interventions, more reliable industrial processes and improved environmental and infrastructure monitoring.
The development and characterization of the micro- and nanostructures and sensors produced in the project were carried out by the Microsystems and Nanosensorics Laboratory, two organizational units of the HUN-REN EK MFA, which are classified as Excellent Research Infrastructure by the NKFIH. And also the Spherical Error Corrected Transmission Electron Microscope Laboratory was used for characterization, which is the only aberration corrected sub-Angström resolution HRTEM device in Hungary. (https://nkfih.gov.hu/hivatalrol/hivatal-hirei/nemzeti-kutatasi-infrastruktura-2023-2024)
The project TKP2021-NVA-03, Environmental monitoring sensors for emergency and extreme conditions, was funded by the National Research and Innovation Fund.
For more information please contact the project leader: Dr. János Volk ( volk. janos @ ek.hun-ren.hu)