Al Meldrum, University of Alberta
Department of Physics
Professor
Edmonton, Alberta
ameldrum@ualberta.ca
Office:
(780) 492-0420
(780) 492-5342
Expert In
Bio/Research
Our research focuses on pure and applied aspects of fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) and optical microcavities. Together, these make up a rich photonic system. The quantum dots emit at selected wavelengths, controllable via their size. The optical microcavities enhance or suppress the QD emission, ...
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Bio/Research
Our research focuses on pure and applied aspects of fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) and optical microcavities. Together, these make up a rich photonic system. The quantum dots emit at selected wavelengths, controllable via their size. The optical microcavities enhance or suppress the QD emission, essentially by affecting what the quantum dot "sees" as it's surroundings. In some projects we use the modulation of the QD emission by the optical microcavity as a kind of microfluidic mini-sensor for biomolecular and refractometric detection of sub-nanoLiter fluid volumes. In other projects, we use bare "freestanding" QDs as highly sensitive vapor sensors, for alcohols and explosive gases. Although we're definitely interested in practical aspects of these structures, we also do basic research. Both sides - pure and applied - are important.
From a practical perspective, we care because microfluidic sensors are expected to find a host of important applications, in field ranging from medical diagnostics to environmental monitoring and analysis of food and dairy products. Gas sensors based on QD fluorescence could have a range of applications. From a basic perspective, we're really interested in the physics of the QD-cavity interaction, both in the so-called weak- and strong-coupling regimes (although the former is more practical to develop for applications, so we tend to concentrate there). We also hope to develop new techniques such as "cavity ringdown imaging", a project we've got on the menu very soon.
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From a practical perspective, we care because microfluidic sensors are expected to find a host of important applications, in field ranging from medical diagnostics to environmental monitoring and analysis of food and dairy products. Gas sensors based on QD fluorescence could have a range of applications. From a basic perspective, we're really interested in the physics of the QD-cavity interaction, both in the so-called weak- and strong-coupling regimes (although the former is more practical to develop for applications, so we tend to concentrate there). We also hope to develop new techniques such as "cavity ringdown imaging", a project we've got on the menu very soon.
Click to Shrink <<