Integrated photonic structures for UV spectroscopy

Background:

Over the past years nanotechnology has enhanced scalability, sensitivity, and drastic cost reductions in sensing & detection of biomolecules, cells, etc.

Using integrated optics, methods like Fluorescence detection and Raman spectroscopy have been proven in the Infrared and (to a large extent) in the visible range of light.

Moving towards shorter wavelengths makes things harder because of optical losses - from material absorption and surface scattering.

Demonstrating this in the blue, and especially in the UV range remains a challenge.

Upon excitation by light in the UV-C range, the bases of DNA and the acids of proteins emit fluorescence in the UV-A band. Demonstrating capability in this wavelength range would be an important step forward, as it can enable label-free fluorescence sensing.

Objectives:

In this project, you will contribute to the design of next-generation integrated UV photonic devices based on the low-loss Al2O3 waveguide technology of imec. The ultimate goal is to measure on-chip fluorescence of amino acids under excitation by 266nm laser; thus providing proof-of-concept for the necessary building blocks.

The project involves simulation, design, and layout of integrated spectrometers and frequency-selective filters for fluorescence detection operating in the UV and blue wavelength range. Target will be to create 2 types of sensing structures - 1 with broad dynamic range, and the other with narrow range and high sensitivity.

You will use state-of-the-art photonic design tools to develop components such as arrayed waveguide gratings, directional couplers, ring resonators, and other spectral filtering architectures.

Depending on the interests of the student and the requirements of the project, the work can include numerical simulations, mask layout generation, and/or nanofabrication. Depending on the progress, you may also get the chance to participate in the analysis of fabricated devices and compare experimental results with your designs.

We are open to both internship and thesis projects for Master students.