The National Science Foundation (NSF) has funded a research center at Princeton University in New Jersey for the development of sensors that can detect minute amounts of chemicals and that are smaller and lower in cost than current devices. The Mid-Infrared Technologies for Health and the Environment Center aims to produce sensor technology with the ability to detect minute amounts of chemicals found in the atmosphere. The proposed devices are intended to monitor air quality, from factory emissions to human breath. The new technology holds potential in medical, governmental and environmental applications.

Five other universities are partners in the center, which will collaborate with companies including Daylight Solutions Inc. of Poway, Calif., on commercializing products. The NSF has provided $2.97 million for the first year and has agreed to provide $15 million over five years, with the possibility for a five-year renewal.