Ramazan Benrashid

Quantum dots as self-referenced optical fibre temperature probes for luminescent chemical sensors

The use of semiconductor nano-particles as temperature probes in luminescence chemical sensing applications is addressed. Temperature changes the intensity, the peak wavelength and the spectral width of the quantum dots luminescent emission in a linear and reversible way. Results are presented that show the feasibility of implementing a self-referenced intensity-based sensor to perform temperature measurements independent of the optical power level in the sensing system. A resolution of 0.3 °C was achieved. In addition, it is demonstrated that self-referenced temperature measurements at multiple points could be performed using reflection or transmission based optical fibre configurations.

Applications of quantum dots in optical fiber luminescent oxygen sensors

The potential applications of luminescent semiconductor nanocrystals to optical oxygen sensing are explored. The suitability of quantum dots to provide a reference signal in luminescence-based chemical sensors is addressed. A CdSe-ZnS nanocrystal, with an emission peak at 520 nm, is used to provide a reference signal. Measurements of oxygen concentration, which are based on the dynamic quenching of the luminescence of a ruthenium complex, are performed. Both the dye and the nanocrystal are immobilized in a solgel matrix and are excited by a blue LED. Experimental results show that the ratio between the reference and the sensor signals is highly insensitive to fluctuations of the excitation optical power. The use of CdTe, near-infrared quantum dots with an emission wavelength of 680 nm, in combination with a ruthenium complex to provide a new mechanism for oxygen sensing, is investigated. The possibility of creating oxygen sensitivity in different spectral regions is demonstrated. The results obtained clearly show that this technique can be applied to develop a wavelength division multiplexed system of oxygen sensors.

Self-referenced intensity based optical fiber temperature probes for luminescent chemical sensors using quantum dots

The use of semiconductor nano-particles as temperature probes in luminescence chemical sensing applications is addressed. Temperature changes the intensity, the peak wavelength and the spectral width of the quantum dots luminescent emission in a linear and reversible way. Results are presented that show the feasibility of implementing a self-referenced intensity based sensor to perform temperature measurements independent of the optical power level in the sensing system. Additionally, it is demonstrated that self-referenced temperature measurements in multiple points could be performed using reflection or transmission based optical fiber configurations.

Intensity based luminescent optical fiber oxygen sensor using quantum dots

The suitability of semiconductor nanoparticles to provide a reference signal in luminescence based chemical sensors is addressed. A CdSe-ZnS nanocrystal, with emission peak at 520 nm is used to provide a reference signal. Measurements of oxygen concentration, which are based on the dynamic quenching of the luminescence of a Ruthenium complex, are performed. Both dye and the nanocrystal are immobilized in a sol-gel matrix and are excited by a blue LED. Results are presented showing that the ratio between the reference and the sensor signals is highly insensitive to fluctuations of the excitation optical power. Preliminary results show that nanocrystals could be used to measure temperature and provide a reference signal.

Simultaneous determination of oxygen and temperature using quantum dots and a ruthenium complex

An all-optical scheme for simultaneous determination of oxygen and temperature is presented. A ruthenium complex immobilized in a non-hydrolytic sol-gel matrix is used as oxygen sensor. Temperature information is provided by CdSe quantum dots immobilized in the same material. While the dye luminescence is quenched by oxygen and temperature, the nanocrystals luminescence depends only on temperature. Results presented demonstrate that the combined luminescence response allows to simultaneously assess both parameters using a single optical fiber system.

Applications of nanoparticles in optical chemical and biological sensors

Semiconductor nano-particles, or quantum dots, with their relatively high quantum yields, narrow luminescence spectrum, outstanding photostability and the ability to tune their optical properties, are ideal for biological tagging applications and a very powerful tool for chemical sensors. In this paper an overview of this rapidly expanding area of research is presented. Additionally, some results are shown, in the framework of optical oxygen sensors, which establish quantum dots as suitable temperature and intensity references for application in luminescence based chemical sensors.

Applications of spin-on-glass for waveguide and micro-optical systems

We have developed a material system, a fabrication process, and optical designs that allow for direct integration of patternable optical components onto microelectronics and optoelectronics platforms. The spin-on-glass is a sol-gel platform that has a low waveguide loss with the ability to incorporate a waveguide amplifier. Our material and process includes the ability to fabricate 3-D structures in a single photolithography step. In this paper, we present details of our fabrication process, general materials characteristics, and some optical designs for planar lightwave circuit platforms.