NanoPlasmonics, Microphotonics & Imaging

Research that includes:

  • Polymer, printed optical lenslet arrays
  • Microfluidic tuneable photopolymer lenses
  • Optical switches and planar lightwave MEMS
  • Vertically integrated microconfocal arrays
  • Bio-inspired integration of tuneable polymer optics with imaging electronics

BPN380: Plasmon Resonance Energy Transfer (PRET)-based Nanospectroscopic Metal Ion Detection

Yeonho Choi
2009

Since metal ions play a vital role in the catalytic function of many enzymes in gene regulation and in free radical homeostasis, elucidation of the spatio-temporal distribution and functional states of trace metal ions is critical for understanding the molecular and transport mechanisms of metal ions in cell biology and medicine. It is also critical to find label-free sensitive and selective metal ion detection methods for environmental monitoring.

Project end date: 02/04/10

BPN379: PRET-based Molecular Imaging on Integrated Optofluidic Nanoplasmonic Platform

Yeonho Choi
2009

Our understanding of biological systems is increasingly dependent on our ability to visualize and quantify biomolecules and biological events with high spatial and temporal resolution in the cellular context. In this regard, the development of cellular and molecular imaging techniques is of considerable interest in many areas of research, from molecular and cellular biology to medical diagnostics and molecular medicine.

Project end date: 02/04/10

BPN482: Micro-Digital Particle Image Velocimetry Using LED Illumination

Bakhshinder Nijjar
Varun Boriah
2010

Micron-resolution particle image velocimetry systems that measure flow-fields in micron-scale fluid devices have been used for almost 10 years at BSAC and other institutions, but are plagued with high capital costs and their cumbersome operating requirements. This work envisions creating a µ DPIV system that is considerably smaller, cheaper, easier to use and less hazardous. The proposed µ DPIV system achieves these goals through replacing the dual cavity Nd:YAG laser with a high power LED. In addition to the above benefits, a LED based µ DPIV system has advantages of adaptability...

BPN514: The Disassembly of a Core-Satellite Nanoassembled Substrate for Colorimetric Biomolecular Detection

John R. Waldeisen
Benjamin M. Ross
2010

Creation of a colorimetric diagnostic substrate which can detect biomolecular markers present in human peripheral fluids.

Project end date: 08/03/10

BPN419: Board-to-Board Optical Interconnect: Lens Alignment System Incorporating Ultrasonic Stepper Motors

Brian Yoxall
2010

An array of free-space optical interconnects composed of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs), alignment lenses, and photodiodes can alleviate communication limitation between boards in computer servers by replacing traditional copper wire connections. Actively controlled alignment lenses can be used to correct optical misalignment due to vibration loads, temperature fluctuation, and initial static offsets. A silicon micro-machined lens stage has been designed and fabricated to interface between linear piezoelectric ultrasonic stepper motors (USM) and an alignment lens...

BPN548: Selective Amplification of Raman Scatterings using Optical Nano-Antennas

Asif Riaz
Young-Geun Park
Eric P. Lee
SoonGweon Hong
Yeonho Choi
2010

An optical nano-antenna can be useful to obtain selective amplification of matching vibrational modes of a target molecule. As a demonstration we used different types of highly packed nanoparticles for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), while each substrate when being excited by resonant wavelength strongly enhances well-matched Stock scatterings. Our multiplex SERS measurement will provide further molecular information of energy levels.

Project end date: 08/11/10

BPN511: Selective Delivery of anti-Akt siRNA via Frequency-Tuned Nanoparticles for the Study of Angiogenesis

Yolanda Y. Zhang
Eric P. Lee
2010

The Akt proteins are some of the most well-known members of the serine/threonine-specific protein kinases, responsible for multiple aspects of cell growth. Akt mutations are also present in a statistically significant percentage of primary and metastatic tumors with high kinase activity correlated with tumor metastasis, chemotherapy resistance, radiotherapy resistance, and enhanced angiogenesis. Investigation of Akt kinase activity in cells is usually performed by kinase assays and Western blotting using phosphorylation-specific antibodies, which are invasive in nature and may not...

BPN523: Bio-Inspired Manipulation of Nanoplasmonic Architectures via Active Polymers

Benjamin M. Ross
Liz Y. Wu
2010

While technology relies on components defined in a fixed position on a rigid substrate, nature prefers soft substrates, and allows components to move significantly during morphogenesis. Taking inspiration from biological fabrication, we have developed a technique, called active polymer nanofabrication, which utilizes active (smart) polymers to create complex nanoplasmonic substrates designed for molecular detection.

Project end date: 02/01/11

BPN508: Carbon Nanotubes as Scaffolding for Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Brendan W. Turner
2010

This project will introduce and determine enhancement factors for a novel carbon nanotube scaffolding for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. We will fabricate and optimize the SERS surface on a wafer scale using inexpensive fabrication methods. Included will be a study of the de-wetting of Au on carbon nanotubes.

Project end date: 02/01/11

BPN536: Absorptive h-PDMS Plasmonic Nanopillars: A Replicable Substrate for Generating High SERS Signals by Chemical Concentration

Eric Lee
SoonGweon Hong
Brendan Turner
2010

This project addresses the utilization of Chemically Absorptive Nanopillars as a new, economical substrate to concentrate molecules and generate huge SERS enhancement. Experimental tests were conducted to demonstrate the absorptive property of the PDMS substrate, which concentrates target molecules around localized areas for enhanced SERS detection. Evidence of molecular concentration was demonstrated by monitoring the increasing fluorescence intensity of 1,2- bis(4-pyridyl) ethylene (BPE) as the molecules concentrate along the edge of an h-PDMS microfluidic channel. The SERS signal...