Collaborative research: Disorder-induced high sensitivity Raman sensor

智力价值：该项目旨在对随机介质中存在多重散射和光子局域化的线性和非线性光学现象进行实验和理论研究。将探讨由于强散射光学样品中波轨迹大大拉长而导致的弱光信号（例如线性和非线性拉曼散射）的放大。 GaP 和 InP 中的无序纳米结构表现出受控的微观/介观无序和光散射效率，将用于研究它们的线性和非线性光学响应。这些样品中的精确材料和结构特征将被优化，以实现拉曼信号的增强，该信号可与最先进的技术相媲美，并且足以检测水溶液中对环境有影响的危险化学品浓度。本提案中开发的拉曼传感器的最终设计将作为原型实施，将在污水处理设施中进行测试，以连续监测水质。 更广泛的影响：这项研究汇集了来自光学和材料科学的合作者，为学生积极参与研究和科学/工程教育以及为未来的科学家、工程师和教育工作者做好准备创造了独特的氛围。来自德克萨斯州和威斯康星州最大且多样化的城市中心的学生，包括那些代表性不足的群体的学生，将能够获得光学、材料、生物和化学科学方面的跨学科经验和培训。作为拟议研究的一部分，化学传感器架构的重大改进将通过与当地工业公司和社区建立的合作伙伴关系对社会和经济产生直接影响。

Intellectual merit: This project is aimed at experimental and theoretical investigations of linear and nonlinear optical phenomena in the presence of multiple scattering and photon localization in random media. The amplification of weak optical signals, such as linear and nonlinear Raman scattering, due to greatly elongated wave trajectories in strongly scattering optical samples will be explored. Disordered nanostructures in GaP and InP exhibiting controlled microscopic/ mesoscopic disorder and light scattering efficiency will be employed to study their linear and nonlinear optical response. The precise material and structural characteristics in these samples will be optimized to achieve the enhancement of Raman signal that is comparable to the state-of-the-art techniques and is enough to detect environmentally significant concentrations of hazardous chemicals in water solution. The ultimate design of Raman sensor developed in this proposal will be implemented as a prototype that will be tested at the sewage facilities for continuous monitoring of the water quality.Broader Impact: This research brings together collaborators from optical and material sciences to create a unique climate for the active student participation in research and science/engineering education and for the preparation of the future scientists, engineers and educators. Students from the largest and diverse urban centers in Texas and Wisconsin, including those of underrepresented groups, will be able to gain interdisciplinary experience and training in optics, materials, biological and chemical sciences. The significant improvement of chemical sensor architecture, aimed as a part of the proposed research, will have an immediate impact on society and economy through established partnerships with local industrial companies and communities.