Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference:	GR/R73058/01
Title:	Pixelated, dynamic, surface plasmon based sensor
Principal Investigator:	Sambles, Professor Sir JR
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department:	Physics
Organisation:	University of Exeter
Scheme:	Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts:	01 June 2002	Ends:	31 May 2004	Value (£):	111,012
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:	Optoelect. Devices & Circuits
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:	Electronics
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Panel History:
Summary on Grant Application Form
We will develop generic sensors where the desired measured quantity is converted to an optical signal via surface plasmon resonance. The proposed sensors are unique and novel as they will image spatial variations in properties by combining CMOS optical detectors with surface plasmons; local sensing areas will be imaged onto individual optical elements with local processing. The new architectures will allow the spatial variation of quantities (such as temperature, pressure, chemical species) to be quantitatively imaged. This approach will enable us to reach optimal performance for each application. Initially the CMOS sensors will be simple detectors, later designs will exploit the ability to integrate local processing together with the optical sensors. This enables the signals to be preprocessed prior to transfer from the chip thus enabling high speed imaging. To illustrate the effectiveness of this generic sensor technology we propose to design and construct sensors to quantitatively image the spatial variation of ultrasonic wave fields. These will operate by sensing local variations in refractive index induced by the acoustic waves. In addition to the engineering challenges there is considerable need to develop physical modelling in order to optimise the sensitivity of the sensing layers for both prism and grating coupling. This involves evaluating the interaction of the electromagnetic fields with the measured quantity. Finally, as well as demonstrating the effectiveness of the sensors for ultrasonics, we will carry out detailed analysis to assess the potential for measuring other quantities e.g. chemical species, temperature variation, etc.
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Organisation Website:	http://www.ex.ac.uk