Research

Sensors and Materials Research

Chemical Sensors and Sensor Arrays
Researchers are seeking to develop new tools that can detect and quantify the concentration of a wide variety of target analytes within a sample. Our emphasis is on new integrated chemical sensor array systems for simultaneous multi-analyte detection. Specifically, we are focusing on the following research topics: [i] the chemistry within sol-gel-derived xerogels; [ii] tailored xerogel-based sensors and biosensors; [iii] new types of molecularly imprinted xerogels; and [iv] ultrahigh stability sensors.

Tailored Materials
New materials are at the heart of biometric sensor technologies. New materials are under development for chemical sensor platforms (see above), to decrease bio-adhesion on ocean going vessels, and to improve wound restitution. Specific activities include: [i] developing new high-speed materials formulation and screening strategies; [ii] developing new hybrid materials that use nature's reagents to combat fouling; and [iii] developing new protein-loaded, biodegradable repair membranes to effect wound repair in the human large conducting airway (trachea/broncus).

Chemical Analysis of Things As They Are
Most modern assays rely on spectroscopic measurements. Unfortunately, it is impossible to obtain accurate analytical information by using traditional spectroscopic techniques without performing a significant amount of sample pre-treatment before the measurement step. We are exploring the potential of multi-photon excitation as a tool for chemical analysis of things as they are.

Excitation Schemes: Optical UV/Visible Emitters
The development of light sources is essential to optically based sensing platforms. We are exploring device designs and materials properties and enhancements for the development of novel UV and visible light emitting arrays. These arrays are based on binary materials like Gallium Nitride, Aluminum Nitride and Indium Nitride and ternary materials of Aluminum Gallium Nitride and Indium Gallium Nitride. Specific designs for producing tuned emission are being developed.

Detector Arrays for Sensing
We are studying smart focal plane arrays for two applications: biochemical sensing platforms and for artificial vision systems. The sensing platforms we are examining require light emission, a sensing material, and optical detection. The optical detectors are silicon CMOS-compatible detectors that are fabricated on-chip, with CMOS processing circuitry. This combination allows us to create focal plane arrays that can directly process the data on-chip and ultimately make decisions about what is detected. This detection scheme is extremely low power, requiring less than 1mW of power.

The other detector application involves artificial vision. In this work, we are creating visual processing systems, again in CMOS, by mimicking biological systems. Ultimately, we feel that this type of visual processing system can be used to create small, smart image recognition systems.

Most biometrics are distinctive but not necessarily unique biometric data fusion allows one-to-one mapping between data and individuals.