A Low-Cost, High-Sensitivity Germanium (Ge)-Based Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) Spectral Sensor for Monitoring Soil Organic Carbon Levels

In recent years substantial effort has been invested in reducing greenhouse gasses and achieving net zero initiatives worldwide. Agricultural practices can also have a significant effect on the environment when the use of inefficient or improper methods leads to the release of sequestered soil organic carbon (SOC) which also plays a significant role in maintaining the content stability and nutrition of the soil for bearing crops. While advancements have been made in Agriculture Analysis & Crop Science there is still a significant disparity in accessibility to this this technology due to lack of internet and other economic disadvantages. Short-wave Infrared (SWIR) imaging possesses the unique ability to see characteristics of objects that are invisible to the naked eye even when given less than ideal conditions. Traditional SWIR imaging necessitates indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) sensors which demand low-yield and high- cost bump-bonding processes. Because of its high cost and high-power consumption InGaAs SWIR sensors hindered the widespread adoption of SWIR imaging. However Stratio Inc.'s core technologies are based on germanium (Ge) which allows our sensors to be more affordable less power consuming and lighter by design. STRATIO is proposing a low-cost high-sensitivity germanium (Ge)-based Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) spectral sensor for use in SOC monitoring at a final price point of less than $2. By offering sensors at a price point that enables widespread integration STRATIO aims to make this important technology more accessible to enable widespread integration and put the power of SWIR sensing in the hands of famers worldwide.