Projects

Currently we are working on a number of high profile projects within the microsystems group. Further details on key sponsored work may be found by following the links below.

Microgripper (Rachael Daunton and Fred Hamlin)

The research explores the design, modelling, fabrication and testing of a thermoelectrically actuated microgripper for the manipulation of single cells and other biological particles. A suitable combination of conductive and polymeric materials together with the design of a highly efficient electro-thermal actuator has produced a microgripper that can be operated in air in in liquid environments without inducing electrolysis.It produces large deflections at low voltage and power. Micromanipulation experiments have succesfully demonstrated the gripping, holding and positioning of a micro sized object.

Rectification of Infrared Radiation (Linzi Dodd)

Current research is based on the design, research and development of devices required to successfully recover waste heat and convert it into electrical power through the use of Microsystems Technology. This takes place using optical nano-antennas, in the same way a standard radio antenna picks up a radio station. These 'nantenna' arrays scale in size with the wavelength of the radiation. In the temperature range 250-300°C, radiation in the region of 60 THz is emitted, which has an associated wavelength of 5 μm.

Terahertz Artificial Materials (Carlo Hill)

The THz band sits at the interface between electronics and photonics. THz imaging and spectroscopy have immense potential in medical imaging, security and biotechnology. In recent years considerable advances have been made in the development of efficient emitters and receivers for THz. Artificial materials can produce THz lenses and filter elements.

Electrochemical Analyser (Alice Delcourt-Lancon)

The ultimate aim of this project is to produce a flow-through electrochemical chiral sensor with microelectrodes and microfluidic channels for industrial, biological and pharmaceutical applications. Performing the analysis in situ via a throughput device rather than by taking samples would enable continuous monitoring of the chirality and reduce chemical wastage. Micro electrodes were chosen not only to save space, materials and chemicals but also for their steady state current response to potential stimulation.

Nanotube thermal probe (Dagou Zeze)

This project addresses the possibility of creating a new advanced materials/device characterisation platform based on a non-destructive, carbon nanotube probe capable of recording simultaneously electrical, thermal and other transport properties and spectroscopic information at 2-20 nm.

Electrochemical Probe Etching (Richard Stone) 

  

A problem throughout many micro and nano applications is finding a consistent and reliable tool to interact, manipulate and measure samples directly. To solve this, a method is being developed to electrochemically etch probes down to, and beneath 20 nm sharpness over a wide range of lengths from 0.5 - 4.5 mm. The process is being automated to allow consistent control over the probes produced such that it can be adapted for a wider range of applications such as scanning probe microscopy, dielectrophoretic manipulation and cellular studies.