DOCTORAL CANDIDATE 8

The project aims to develop a specialized photothermal spectroscopy instrument using ICLs (JMU) and novel waveguide designs, integrating nanophotonics and Microtitre plates (TNI). It explores 3D printed optics on meta-surfaces to enhance laser coupling and alignment. Addressing mechanical packaging challenges for high-volume testing is also a key focus. The specialized early-stage instrument will serve as a microplate reader based on photothermal spectroscopy, allowing multiple samples to be analysed at same time. The project is centred around improving the efficiency and scalability of spectroscopic analysis, with the ultimate goal of creating a microplate reader capable of handling larger sample numbers (up to 96) for comprehensive testing. At first highly doped waveguides that allow for refractive index engineering will be realized by molecular beam epitaxy to improve the electrical and thermal properties of long wavelength GaSb based ICLs. In the second half the spectroscopy concept pursued by DC8 will consist of PICs integrated in the bottom of each vial but in close contact to the sample. Both photothermal excitation in the mid-IR (vial bottom material must be sufficiently transparent from 1700-1500 cm-1, like CaF2) as well as read-out in the NIR will be achieved through free space coupling from the bottom of the vial. The sensing principle is detection of temperature induced shifts via PIC structure. It thus differs from the concept pursued in DC12 where the readout scheme consists in detecting the deflection of the probe beam as the consequence of absorption induced temperature changes. Along with cutting-edge spectroscopy, DC8 would also develop key skills in high-throughput protein assays for various life-science applications.