Chemical sensing with plasmonic nanoparticle assemblies and buried waveguides

这项研究的目的是开发基于金属纳米颗粒独特光学特性的新一代化学传感器。金属纳米粒子与光的相互作用非常强烈，这种相互作用的特征取决于结构参数，例如粒子大小和粒子排列的细节。重要的是，纳米粒子组件的光学特性也取决于它们的局部环境，这为传感应用打开了令人兴奋的新可能性的大门。****我们建议在光波导表面沉积纳米颗粒环组件，以优化导光与纳米结构之间的相互作用。通过这种方式，在波导内传输的光可以通过纳米粒子组件的光学特征的变化来监测局部环境的变化。具体提出的平台是高度原创的，无论是在光学元件的设计和自组装方法用于纳米结构的制造。****与工业合作伙伴合作，将开发用于检测废水中的离子和天然气和石油中的硫化氢的原型传感器。* * * * * * * *

This objective of the proposed research is the development of a new generation of chemical sensors based on the unique optical properties of metal nanoparticles. Metal nanoparticles interact very strongly with light and the signature of this interaction is dependent on structural parameters, such as particle size and the details of particle arrangement within assemblies. Importantly, the optical properties of nanoparticle assemblies also depend on their local environment, opening the door to exciting new possibilities for sensing applications.****We propose to deposit nanoparticle ring assemblies on the surface of an optical waveguide designed to optimize interaction between the guided light and the nanostructures. In this way, light transmitted within the guide can serve to monitor changes in local environment through changes in the optical signature of the nanoparticle assemblies. The specific proposed platform is highly original, both in the design of the optical component and the self-assembly method employed for nanostructure fabrication. ****In collaboration with an industrial partner, prototype sensors will be developed for the detection of ions in waste water and hydrogen sulfide in gas and oil. ********