Single-nanostructure spectroscopy for optical characterization of discrete nanostructures and their development as miniaturized sensors and bioanalytical tools

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Our research program aims to explore biomolecular-mediated plasmonic assemblies for applications such as sensing and solar energy conversion. Plasmonics are actively pursued for a wide range of technological applications including biomedical imaging, optoelectronics, telecommunications and sensing, in which the morphology and organization of the nanostructures underpins the plasmon-enhanced effects. Conventional bulk optical characterization techniques probe an ensemble of nanostructures and therefore suffer from effects of sample inhomogeneity and spectral broadening. Techniques for measuring optical properties at the single nanostructure level are therefore invaluable for elucidating the electromagnetic interactions. Our research aims to use single-nanostructure spectroscopy to investigate plasmon coupling in discrete biomolecular-linked multi-nanoparticle assemblies. The requested spectroscopic setup will be used to characterize and guide the design of these dynamic nanostructures for achieving unconventional spectral response that can provide new capabilities in sensing. Potential advances in sensing include the ability to detect analytes in real samples without purification and the development nano optical sensors for high-density multiplexed arrays and for quantitative analysis of local chemical environment in cellular processes. The requested equipment will be instrumental for developing new bioanalytical tools that may benefit biomedial research in Canada, and for advancing fundamental research in plasmonics. This characterization technique will provide an excellent training ground for undergraduate and graduate students in optical spectroscopy, instrument integration and scientific programming in addition to their studies on chemical and biological interactions.