Novel Compact Sensor Based on Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering of Gold Nanoparticle Aggregates and D-Shaped Fibers

这项研究的主要目标是开发和展示一种基于纳米颗粒表面增强拉曼散射(SERS)和D形光纤的新型传感器，用于化学、生物和环境检测，重点了解传感器设计和操作所依据的基本原理和关键工程问题。该传感器将具有高灵敏度、分子特异性、可靠性、无标签、非侵入性、价格低廉、易于利用现有技术进行商业生产、与现有激光器和探测器兼容，并适用于大量感兴趣的分子。这是因为基于D型光纤和新型SERS衬底的独特传感器结构，其中SERS提供了高灵敏度(106-1015增强因子)、分子特异性和对多种化合物的适用性，而新型D型光纤具有紧凑、可靠、低成本和易于制造的特点。在光纤中传播的光被耦合到纳米颗粒层，在那里使用SERS来检测样品。这一发展包括两位PI的综合专业知识，顾先生专门从事光子材料和器件，张先生专门从事纳米材料的合成和光学性能。我们的长期目标不仅是开发一种可靠和坚固的传感器，以满足上述期望的特性，而且还要了解支撑该传感器设计、制造和操作的基本和技术问题。开发的传感器将用于检测几个重要的化学和生物系统，包括葡萄糖、蛋白质、DNA和细菌。它还可以用于化学战剂、爆炸物、食品病原体、毒素和血液或组织蛋白的原位检测。拟议研究的智力价值在于更好地理解了纳米热电子设备(如化学和生物传感器)设计和开发的基本和技术问题。国家安全、军事和民用应用迫切需要先进的传感器。这项研究的基础知识将有助于基于纳米材料的其他器件的设计和开发，如探测器、显示器、激光和发光二极管。这项研究的更广泛影响主要是促进纳米科学和纳米技术的发展，重点是用于检测化学、环境和生物制剂的新型传感器技术。预计整个社会将从纳米科学和纳米技术研究的进步和突破中受益匪浅。基于纳米材料的新型传感技术是纳米技术的重要组成部分。这项研究将导致对学生的多学科教育和培训。作为这项研究的一部分，国际和平研究所计划在两个小组之间定期举行联合小组会议，并在化学、物理、生物和电子工程师之间举行联合研讨会。对快速增长的纳米科学和纳米技术领域的学生进行培训，对于保持美国在这些领域的竞争优势至关重要。

0401206GuThe primary objective of this research is to develop and demonstrate a novel sensor based on nanoparticle surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and D-shaped fibers for chemical, biological, and environmental detection with emphasis on understanding both the fundamental principles and critical engineering issues underling the sensor design and operation. The sensor will be highly sensitive, molecular specific, reliable, label-free, non-invasive, inexpensive, easy to produce commercially using existing technologies, compatible with existing lasers and detectors, and applicable to a large number of molecules of interest. This is made possible by the unique sensor architecture based on a combination of D-shaped fibers and novel SERS substrates, where SERS provides the high sensitivity (106-1015 enhancement factor), molecular specificity, and applicability to a wide range of compounds, while the novel D-shaped fiber provides the compactness, reliability, low cost, and ease of production.The proposed research approach to the compact SERS sensor is to deposit a layer of nanoparticle aggregates on top of the polished surface of a D-shaped fiber. Light propagating inside the fiber is coupled to the nanoparticle layer where SERS is employed to detect the sample. The development encompasses the combined expertise of the two PIs, Gu, who specializes in photonic materials and devices, and Zhang, who specializes in synthesis and optical properties of nanomaterials. The long-term goal is not only to develop a reliable and robust sensor that satisfies the above desired features but also to understand the fundamental and technical issues underling the design, fabrication, and operation of this sensor. The developed sensor will be tested in the detection of several important chemical and biological systems including glucose, proteins, DNA, and bacteria. It can also be useful for in situ detection of chemical warfare agents, explosives, food pathogens, toxins, and blood or tissue proteins.The intellectual merit of the proposed research lies in a better understanding of both the fundamental and technical issues underling the design and development of nanophotonic devices such as chemical and biological sensors. Advanced sensors are urgently needed for national security, military, and civilian applications. The fundamental knowledge gained from this research will be useful to the design and development of other devices based on nanomaterials such as detectors, displays, lasers, and light emitting diodes.The broader impact of this research is mainly in advancing nanoscience and nanotechnology, with emphasis on novel sensor technologies for detection of chemical, environmental, and biological agents. The society as a whole is expected to benefit tremendously from progress and breakthroughs in nanoscience and nanotechnology research. Novel sensing technology based on nanomaterials is a major and integral part of nanotechnology. This proposed research will lead to multidisciplinary education and training of students. As part of this research, the PI plans to have regular joint group meetings between the two groups and joint seminars among Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and EE. The training of students in the fast growing fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology is critical to maintain the competitive edge of the US in these fields.