Laser gas sensor domestic chip is available for import substitution

China Instrument Network Instrument R&D With the growing emphasis on energy conservation and emission reduction in China, and the rising public awareness of environmental issues, environmental monitoring sensors have become increasingly essential in both daily life and industrial production.

After nearly 9 years of dedicated research, the Institute of Semiconductors at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the joint laboratory of Beijing Hangxing Network Technology Co., Ltd. have successfully developed a new generation of domestic semiconductor laser gas sensor chips. These chips are now ready for large-scale mass production and have been integrated into laser systems.

In the future, the laser gas sensors designed by Hangxing will be capable of low-range and full-range measurements. Their temperature adaptability meets industrial-grade standards (-40°C to 70°C), making them ideal for applications such as coal gas monitoring, underground pipeline detection, urban gas safety, and fire prevention. These sensors can significantly enhance early warning and response capabilities in high-risk industries.

Currently, only a few countries, including Canada, the United States, Japan, and Norway, possess the technology to produce laser methane gas detection chips. The ability of Hangxing to achieve large-scale production of methane laser gas sensor chips marks a significant step toward replacing imported components domestically.

As environmental protection becomes more important and governments focus on reducing atmospheric pollution, the demand for gas sensors is booming. Additionally, with the rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), gas sensors are being increasingly used in smart homes, wearable devices, and intelligent mobile terminals, opening up new application areas and driving a massive increase in demand.

According to market research firm Yole Développement, the global gas sensor market reached $920 million in 2021, with an expected compound annual growth rate of 7.3% over the next five years. Environmental monitoring ranks third among all application areas.

As a leading company in the domestic gas sensor industry, Hanwei Technology has started trial production of laser gas sensors. Guangli Technology, a top player in coal mine safety monitoring, has already produced small batches of its laser methane sensors.

It is believed that with the successful development of this new generation of domestic semiconductor laser gas sensor chips, China will unlock greater potential for independent innovation across multiple sectors. This advancement will also strengthen national security and emergency preparedness, playing a crucial role in maintaining China's position in the global science and technology landscape.

(Source: Securities Times, Mames Consulting, Phoenix Technology)