Limited Sensitivity and Speed
The reliance on pyroelectric detectors, while cost-effective, limits the sensitivity and speed of the sensor compared to other infrared detection technologies. This could restrict its applicability in scenarios requiring very fast response times or detection of trace amounts of gases.
Susceptibility to Water Vapor Interference
The sensor's performance in the 5-7 μm range, which is important for detecting several common gases, is susceptible to interference from water vapor. While the authors implemented several measures to mitigate this, achieving and maintaining very low humidity levels might be challenging in real-world applications.
The current design of the sensor involves a bulky gas cell and focusing optics, which adds to the overall size and complexity of the system. This makes it less portable and potentially more expensive compared to miniaturized sensor designs.
Although the authors mention potential for CMOS integration and mass production, the current fabrication process still relies on electron beam lithography, which is relatively slow and expensive. This could hinder large-scale manufacturing and widespread adoption of the sensor.