Microlasers for Biological Sensing

Microrings/microdisks doped with fluorescent dyes can act as lasers [1]. The emission wavelengths of such microlasers are extremely sensitive to the refractive index of its material, which can change as a result of binding of selective analytes to the recognition elements immobilised on MRR lasers. The narrowness of the emission wavelengths of the microlasers permit the determination of small changes in emission wavelength, allowing the measurement of low concentration of analytes.

Such microlasers can measure analytes present at low levels, but support closely-spaced multiple emission wavelengths. As a result, the resonance wavelengths of different microlasers when excited simultaneously cannot be separated using a single wavelength based detector, limiting their application for the measurement of multiple analytes simultaneously. The aim of this project is to address this challenge by designing novel microlasers.

The student will gain skills in microfabrication, microfluidics, biochemical assays, optical sensors, instrumentation and data analysis. The student will be based in Dr Ruchi Gupta’s group (https://rguptagrouplab.com/) in the School of Chemistry at University of Birmingham.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Ruchi Gupta at [Email Address Removed]. Please include a CV and transcripts in your email.

Degree Requirements:
Applicants should possess (or expect to possess) a good degree in physical sciences or engineering or allied disciplines.