Research Projects

Light-matter interaction is a multiphysics phenomenon that generates heat and local temperature rise when light interacts with absorbable materials. This phenomenon is known as the photothermal effect, where infrared radiation interacts with objects, leading to a rise in temperature. At micro/nano-scale objects, such as plasmonic particles, a resonance occurs called localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), absorbing light energy and converting it into Joule heating. Conventional techniques can record photothermal temperature rise in macroscopic objects or multiple plasmonic particles, but these methods are not suitable for micro/nano-scale objects or individual plasmonic particles. This project aims to develop and investigate an optical fiber Bragg grating-based temperature sensor for photothermally sensitive surfaces or objects that generate heat and increase local temperature at the micro/nano-scale. The sensor's sensitivity will be tested using a homemade photothermal setup. This photothermal temperature sensor has potential applications in plasmonic photothermal therapy, heat generation studies, and thermal management in photonic integrated circuits and quantum photonic devices. The research will involve a Ph.D. student and a postdoctoral fellow or research associate.