Interests include:
Optical sensing and measurement
Photonic devices
Optical fibre sensors
Femtosecond lasers for photonic structuring
Polymer optoelectronics
Polymer optical fibre
Optical fibre technology
We have extensive expertise in
photonic devices and sensor technology
including:
- Chemical sensing applications of optical waveguide sensors, including the Resonant Mirror, and integration of optical waveguide sensors with electrokinetic sample transport and separations.
- Optical fibres for chemical and biochemical sensing, and miniaturised chemical and biochemical instrumentation based on polymer fabrication, especially by injection moulding, laser structuring and lamination.
- Microfluidic systems, diffraction gratings and tapered fibre and fibre gratings formed using laser material processing, chemical modification and functional optical coatings for analyte detection which has been sponsored by EPSRC.
- Based on these technologies, sensors have been developed for fluorescence, turbidity, light scattering by particulates, pH, fluid flow, bio-fouling and scaling, H2 gas detection, strain and moisture.
For example, there is potential to:
- Use PSI lasers with industrial clients for photonic structuring of optical materials for devices.
- Laser induced photonic nano-structures in polymers and glasses for optical interconnects.
- Laser Printable Electronics: chemically and physically reactive materials applied to thin film substrates for functional laser printed electronics devices.
- In vivo, real-time Sweat & moisture measurement for cosmetic product evaluation sports fabrics, helmets.
- Measure Hydrogen,, oxygen, amonnia, glucose, turbidity, water quality, fluid flow, pressure, strain, displacement, pH.
- Interogate lengths of fibre and fibre arrays/networks for distributed sensing techbologies.
Recent projects include:
- Low cost, rugged sensors using large diameter, multi-moded plastic or polymer optical fibre (POF) for environmental, chemical and biological monitoring, for applications such as biofouling and scaling, algal growth. pH, particle concentration, turbidity, fluid flow, strain and water toxicity.
- Effects of UV laser irradiation on perspex and plastic optical fibres and polymers to create refractive index changes and gratings.
- New optical coating materials (polymer and organic dyes) for new sensors and devices.
- Femtosecond lasers and multi-photon absorption techniques to create substantial refractive index structures and gratings in polymers and optical materials. Optical devices and components can thus be written into bulk material and fibres.
- Biofouling and scaling in closed loop water systems and water quality monitoring at interfaces using optical sensors, for harsh and demanding industrial water process systems including heat exchanger cooling systems, to sense the very early formation of biofilm, and biofouling removal and control by biocides.
- Development of inorganic-organic hybrid coatings for optical fibres for the immobilisation of enzymes and chemical transducers, and their testing on bioprocesses.
- Guidance, procedures and measurement techniques for small stationary hydrogen and fuel cell systems to fast track approval of safety and procedural issues.
Academics include Dr Patricia Scully (CEAS), Professor Nick Goddard (CEAS), Dr Krikor Ozanyan (EEE).
Useful websites include:
http://www.cias.manchester.ac.uk/
http://www.ceas.manchester.ac.uk/research/groups/instrumentsystems/
http://www.psi.manchester.ac.uk/index.html
http://www.umari.manchester.ac.uk/
