Selective Plasmonic Sensors based on Quantum Electron Transfer

SENQET aims to develop an advanced class of highly sensitive and selective plasmonic sensors based on quantum electron transfer phenomenon on optical fibre and chip platforms for detection of analytes down to picomolar concentrations.

Its uniqueness lies in introducing an immobilization protocol loaded with several novel features for immobilizing metal nanoparticles on end facet of an optical fibre to fabricate the sensing probe, which besides being reproducible also enables monitoring of the fabrication process in real time, thus providing feasibility for batch fabrication of sensors.

Through a synergistic nexus of quantum electron transfer phenomenon with optical fibre technology, SENQET aims to develop nanospectroscopic sensors for point-of-care applications in areas as diverse as environmental monitoring and disease diagnostics.

While the quantum electron transfer effect imparts the sensor with excellent selectivity and hypersensitivity, use of an optical fibre for its implementation makes the sensor compact, easy to interrogate, and safe to use.

This innovative and well-structured project will categorically produce many significant research outputs that will advance the knowledge on plasmonic sensors and give visibility to and promote the European research in this field.

It will contribute towards establishing a cost-effective sensing technology and will bring about significant improvements in healthcare.

Concurrently, the research and transferable skills to be acquired by the Fellow, including industrially relevant and entrepreneurial competences will immensely enhance his scientific expertise besides making him qualify as a highly skilled professional to establish his own research group in a leading European institute/university.

Unequivocally, SENQET is expected to bring a breakthrough in optical sensor technology and contribute to develop new sensing technologies that can have broad positive impact in Europe and globally.