Microchemical single droplet reaction analysis by online cavity ring-down spectroscopy

Lead Research Organisation: University of Oxford
Department Name: Oxford Chemistry

Abstract

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Description The original award was concerned with combining cavity ringdown spectroscopy with a sample contained within a microfluidic chip. Near the end of the grant period I began to collaborate with the group of Jason Smith in Oxford's Department of Materials, on combining optical microcavities with chemical sensing in microfluidic environments. This work grew directly out of work funded by the EPSRC, though was not part of the original grant. We have shown that we can achieve extremely sensitive measurements of refractive index and optical absorption (absorption spectroscopy) for liquid samples, and also that optical microcavities can be used to carry out detailed characterisation of nanoparticles trapped in the cavity.
Exploitation Route While the methods used in the original EPSRC-funded research proved to be quite difficult to use, the microcavity methods that have followed show considerable promise for a variety of applications. We are planning to form a spin-out company based on this technology over the next few months, in order to develop commercial instruments.
Sectors Chemicals,Education,Energy,Environment,Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology
 
Description Leverhulme Trust Project Grant
Amount £229,389 (GBP)
Organisation The Leverhulme Trust 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 03/2012 
End 03/2015
 
Description Paul Instrument Fund
Amount £72,635 (GBP)
Organisation The Royal Society 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 10/2012 
End 10/2014