Overview
Topic status: We're looking for students to study this topic.
Nanoparticles are finding a range of applications in cancer therapies, optical computing, and predominantly, in sensing. When a laser strikes a metal nanoparticle, the conduction electrons oscillate in phase, and these coherent oscillations are known as localises surface plasmon resonances. The frequency at which these resonances occur depends strongly on the surrounding medium. In this way it is possible to measure slight changes in refractive index of the surrounding medium, due to the presence of trace amounts of substance, for example, ricin. One of the most common types of nanoparticle sensor is the bowtie antenna. This structure consists of two triangular nanoparticles placed close together. A sample is placed between the triangles, and the resonance of the system changes due to the presence of the substance. It is fairly straightforward to determine the resonance of triangular nanoparticles in homogeneous mediums, but when the antenna is on a substrate the resonances of the particle are more difficult to calculate. It is important to determine how the presence of substrate affects the bowtie antenna's ability to function as a sensing structure.
Hypothesis/Aims: The aim of this project is to formulate an analytical expression relating the resonance of the triangular nanoparticle on substrate to the resonance of the nanoparticle in a homogeneous medium. This will be checked against numerical simulations and where possible, experimental data.
Approaches: Electrostatic eigenmode method, finite difference time domain and/or finite element modelling using COMSOL Multiphysics. Experimental data may be obtained from the literature and/or be obtained in collaboration with the Funston group at Monash University.
- Study level
- Honours
- Supervisors
- QUT
- Organisational unit
Science and Engineering Faculty
- Research area
- Contact
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Please contact the supervisor.
Dr Kristy Vernon
