The project is based on a novel optical method for ultra-sensitive detection of molecules in the air. For example, the important gas molecules which are accountable for global warming and climate change are only present in trace amounts in our atmosphere. Detection and monitoring their concentration changes is crucial for accurate climate modelling.
This Sapere Aude grant will allow Barh to establish a new class of mid-infrared lasers not previously available. Based on such a laser she will develop a molecular detection scheme which will provide outstanding sensitivity, accuracy, and speed of measurements, all at the same time.
The outcome can revolutionise several fields of research which are crucial to this time, such as, climate change, disease prevention, healthcare, and food quality control. On a fundamental level, the precise time-frequency nature of our mid-infrared laser will be of high interest to the frequency metrology and strong-field physics communities as well.
Barh herself says about the grant “The prestigious Sapere Aude grant is an honour. It gifts me the opportunity to establish myself as an independent research leader and to create my own research team. The research field is exciting and innovative and has a huge potential for growth and sustainable research. I am excited to deep-dive into the project”.
