PhD Study : Next-generation nanoplasmonic sensors

Summary

This project will develop ‘large-area’ nanoplasmonic platforms consisting of multimetallic nanostructures. Nanoplasmonic nanostructures are sensitive to the refractive index of their local environments where a change in the refractive index results in plasmonic frequency shifts. This property of the nanostructures, commonly explained by the phenomenon of localized surfaces plasmon resonance (LSPR), is utilized to enhance the signals in modern biosensing techniques based on the spectroscopy. Additionally, the LSPR nanostructures have been used to create super lenses, invisibility cloaks, and to improve quantum computing. LSPR are distinct from the propagating surface plasmon resonances (SPR). While in LSPR and SPR, the electron cloud oscillates collectively, the plasmons propagate back and forth between the two ends of a planar film structure in SPR. Moreover, for LSPR the material is also required to have dimensions smaller than the wavelength of the incident light. The strength of associated evanescent waves created in the LSPR can be tuned by controlling the material type and geometry of the metal nanostructure.

A wide variety of materials ranging from metals and semiconductors have been utilized in the past for developing LSPR nanostructures, yet low sensitivity, poor biomolecular specificity and poor reproducibility of ‘large-area’ nanostructured surfaces limits their use for routine sensing applications. Within this context, this project will develop a range of LSPR substrates using a combination of more than two metals using both top-down and bottom-up nanofabrication processes [1].

These substrates will be evaluated for their sensitivity and specificity towards the binding of the biomolecules and a proof of concept application for disease diagnostics will be developed. The late stages of the project will also involve translation of the developed platforms to autonomous sensing platforms such as by integrating it with the microneedles [2] or microfluidic platforms [3].

This multidisciplinary project which will provide the student with comprehensive experience in nanofabrication, characterisation and design of novel optical sensing platforms.

Suitable candidates should have completed his/her undergraduate degree in Physics/ Biophysics/  Electronics/ Nanotechnology/ Biomedical Engineering or closely related field.  The candidate is also expected to have a keen interest on optics as the candidate will work very closely with experimental nanophotonics team within Ulster.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living