Capability for Science of the Future: Ultrafast Spectroscopy Laser Centre at Sheffield, USLS
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Chemistry
Abstract
We propose to build an ultrafast laser spectroscopy system which, by exploiting modern technological advances, will allow us to examine in many different ways what happens to molecules and materials after they absorb light, both immediately after absorption and then the longer-term consequences.
The interaction of light with matter is one of the most important areas in modern science. It underpins the emerging technology of new photonics-based materials that can be used in the communications, computing, displays and lighting devices of the future; the economic impact of this technology sector in the short-to-medium term is predicted to be very large. Interaction of light with matter is also the basis of the conversion of sunlight into energy by photosynthesis - which is fundamental to life on earth. Natural photosynthesis is quite well understood and is sufficiently effective for Nature's needs: the goal now is to build artificial systems that mimic the key properties of natural photosynthetic systems so that we can, finally, harvest sunlight as an energy source and make a major contribution to mankind's long-term sustainable energy generation that is not fossil-fuel dependent and is not polluting. The tasks of artificial photosynthesis are extensive: not only do we need to construct molecular systems or materials that can capture light effectively, but they need to be able to use it to either generate energy directly (e.g. as electricity in photovoltaic cells), or to drive chemical reactions that provide 'stored energy' as a solar fuel (e.g. by providing energy for conversion of the waste-product CO2 to the fuel methanol).
All research in light/matter interactions - whether it is directed at understanding nature, harnessing energy, or constructing new optical communications devices - requires the ability to measure the extremely fast changes that occur in molecules and materials immediately after light is absorbed. The initial changes take place on a timescale of femtoseconds and may involve movement of electron density, or changes in bond vibrations, which can be detected. Subsequent to this the captured energy 'flows' through the molecular assembly or material, and this movement of charge or energy from place to place - which can occur on timescales from picoseconds to microseconds - can again be visualized in detail. Finally any subsequent chemical changes that may occur on timescales as slow as milliseconds will be visualized. The result will be the ability to monitor exactly what happens in materials and molecular assemblies once the photon of light is absorbed; as the energy or an electron subsequently moves through the material and/or results in structural changes; and as the energy is finally used in various ways from luminescence to triggering chemical reactions.
The facility that we will build will be unique in the UK university system as it will combine diverse aspects of ultrafast spectroscopy in a single, integrated facility which will enable the most comprehensive set of measurements possible at a single site with a single sample. The facility will combine a wide range of timescales that can be measured (all events from femtoseconds to milliseconds, which spans 11 orders of magnitude); a continuous spectrum of energies from low-energy vibrations to high-energy electronic transitions; and a wide range of interrogation techniques that allow changes in structure and electronic properties to be probed in real time. This will provide researchers both in Sheffield and the wider UK community - with whom the facility will be shared, by creating an "ultrafast hub" - access to a state-of-the-art tools for studying light-matter interactions. This will facilitate a wide range of science in areas of national importance and potentially benefit society from technological developments (such as new photonics-based materials and devices) and from cleaner and cheaper energy generation using sunlight.
The interaction of light with matter is one of the most important areas in modern science. It underpins the emerging technology of new photonics-based materials that can be used in the communications, computing, displays and lighting devices of the future; the economic impact of this technology sector in the short-to-medium term is predicted to be very large. Interaction of light with matter is also the basis of the conversion of sunlight into energy by photosynthesis - which is fundamental to life on earth. Natural photosynthesis is quite well understood and is sufficiently effective for Nature's needs: the goal now is to build artificial systems that mimic the key properties of natural photosynthetic systems so that we can, finally, harvest sunlight as an energy source and make a major contribution to mankind's long-term sustainable energy generation that is not fossil-fuel dependent and is not polluting. The tasks of artificial photosynthesis are extensive: not only do we need to construct molecular systems or materials that can capture light effectively, but they need to be able to use it to either generate energy directly (e.g. as electricity in photovoltaic cells), or to drive chemical reactions that provide 'stored energy' as a solar fuel (e.g. by providing energy for conversion of the waste-product CO2 to the fuel methanol).
All research in light/matter interactions - whether it is directed at understanding nature, harnessing energy, or constructing new optical communications devices - requires the ability to measure the extremely fast changes that occur in molecules and materials immediately after light is absorbed. The initial changes take place on a timescale of femtoseconds and may involve movement of electron density, or changes in bond vibrations, which can be detected. Subsequent to this the captured energy 'flows' through the molecular assembly or material, and this movement of charge or energy from place to place - which can occur on timescales from picoseconds to microseconds - can again be visualized in detail. Finally any subsequent chemical changes that may occur on timescales as slow as milliseconds will be visualized. The result will be the ability to monitor exactly what happens in materials and molecular assemblies once the photon of light is absorbed; as the energy or an electron subsequently moves through the material and/or results in structural changes; and as the energy is finally used in various ways from luminescence to triggering chemical reactions.
The facility that we will build will be unique in the UK university system as it will combine diverse aspects of ultrafast spectroscopy in a single, integrated facility which will enable the most comprehensive set of measurements possible at a single site with a single sample. The facility will combine a wide range of timescales that can be measured (all events from femtoseconds to milliseconds, which spans 11 orders of magnitude); a continuous spectrum of energies from low-energy vibrations to high-energy electronic transitions; and a wide range of interrogation techniques that allow changes in structure and electronic properties to be probed in real time. This will provide researchers both in Sheffield and the wider UK community - with whom the facility will be shared, by creating an "ultrafast hub" - access to a state-of-the-art tools for studying light-matter interactions. This will facilitate a wide range of science in areas of national importance and potentially benefit society from technological developments (such as new photonics-based materials and devices) and from cleaner and cheaper energy generation using sunlight.
Planned Impact
The wide range of research facilitated by USLS will lead to correspondingly extensive impact, beyond the academic benefit from the new scientific knowledge. There will be many important economic and societal impacts which have the potential to improve diverse aspects of our lives.
Economic impact will occur in both the medium and long terms. Medium-term benefits will be mostly from the more applied research projects, that are linked to spin-out companies or industrial sponsors. A key example is photonics technologies which currently underpin > 10% of the EU economy with a projected global market of Eur 600 Bn by 2020. These include all-optical communications, energy efficient lighting, photonic diagnostics for healthcare, safety and security, and laser-based therapies. Likewise, organic optoelectronics are predicted to be a disruptive technology enabling market growth impossible with existing technology. Use of OLED displays alone are projected to drive substantial economic growth in applications such as mobile phones, TV, notebooks, tablets, digital cameras and in cars; and OLED lighting alone is predicted to have a market value of $1.3 Bn by 2023. Key beneficiaries: photonics-based industries and users of their products from development of new technology.
Improvements in energy generation - arising from a range of research projects spanning chemistry, physics, engineering and synthetic biology - will have long term economic benefits for everyone. Although many of these projects are focussed on the blue-skies research, they have potentially huge benefits. Key beneficiaries: energy sector in the medium term, society as a whole in the long term, due to lower energy costs and greater sustainability.
Societal benefit follows economic benefit. In the long term society as a whole will have higher quality of life from the reduced costs and cleaner environment associated with improved renewable energy generation, as well as access to improved photonics technologies for day-to-day issues from communications to healthcare.
In the energy field in particular, economic benefits for a few translate into global societal benefits for all. The importance of addressing the problem of sustainable energy generation cannot be overstated. Given that our most reliable energy source is the sun, solar energy capture and solar fuel generation are expected to be the most important themes of the range of projects supported by USLS.
Knowledge:
'If you think education is expensive, try ignorance' (Bok). The new knowledge arising from USLS will initially benefit academia, but as impacts and exploitations emerge this knowledge will become integrated into the areas of commerce, education and indeed everyday life. We will ensure maximum benefit from the new knowledge via engagement with schools outreach and public understanding events. An important goal is to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable alternatives to conventional energy sources: our programme of public lectures, schools events, and Science week events will emphasise this. Key beneficiaries: the public, from improved understanding of issues surrounding applications of light-based technologies and energy in general.
People:
A major long-term impact from USLS will arise from training and development of early-career researchers. Given the importance of light-based methods in the research that underpins fields from healthcare to sustainable energy, a trained pool of young scientists will be essential to maintain the UK's competitive position in these fields, ensuring the sustainability of our science and industry base on a 10-50 years time scale. Key beneficiaries will therefore be the researchers themselves, UK research / industry in the future, and society as a whole. The conference participation and training will provide immediate transferable skills to PhDs and postdocs which will enhance their future carrier to the benefit to them, science and society.
Economic impact will occur in both the medium and long terms. Medium-term benefits will be mostly from the more applied research projects, that are linked to spin-out companies or industrial sponsors. A key example is photonics technologies which currently underpin > 10% of the EU economy with a projected global market of Eur 600 Bn by 2020. These include all-optical communications, energy efficient lighting, photonic diagnostics for healthcare, safety and security, and laser-based therapies. Likewise, organic optoelectronics are predicted to be a disruptive technology enabling market growth impossible with existing technology. Use of OLED displays alone are projected to drive substantial economic growth in applications such as mobile phones, TV, notebooks, tablets, digital cameras and in cars; and OLED lighting alone is predicted to have a market value of $1.3 Bn by 2023. Key beneficiaries: photonics-based industries and users of their products from development of new technology.
Improvements in energy generation - arising from a range of research projects spanning chemistry, physics, engineering and synthetic biology - will have long term economic benefits for everyone. Although many of these projects are focussed on the blue-skies research, they have potentially huge benefits. Key beneficiaries: energy sector in the medium term, society as a whole in the long term, due to lower energy costs and greater sustainability.
Societal benefit follows economic benefit. In the long term society as a whole will have higher quality of life from the reduced costs and cleaner environment associated with improved renewable energy generation, as well as access to improved photonics technologies for day-to-day issues from communications to healthcare.
In the energy field in particular, economic benefits for a few translate into global societal benefits for all. The importance of addressing the problem of sustainable energy generation cannot be overstated. Given that our most reliable energy source is the sun, solar energy capture and solar fuel generation are expected to be the most important themes of the range of projects supported by USLS.
Knowledge:
'If you think education is expensive, try ignorance' (Bok). The new knowledge arising from USLS will initially benefit academia, but as impacts and exploitations emerge this knowledge will become integrated into the areas of commerce, education and indeed everyday life. We will ensure maximum benefit from the new knowledge via engagement with schools outreach and public understanding events. An important goal is to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable alternatives to conventional energy sources: our programme of public lectures, schools events, and Science week events will emphasise this. Key beneficiaries: the public, from improved understanding of issues surrounding applications of light-based technologies and energy in general.
People:
A major long-term impact from USLS will arise from training and development of early-career researchers. Given the importance of light-based methods in the research that underpins fields from healthcare to sustainable energy, a trained pool of young scientists will be essential to maintain the UK's competitive position in these fields, ensuring the sustainability of our science and industry base on a 10-50 years time scale. Key beneficiaries will therefore be the researchers themselves, UK research / industry in the future, and society as a whole. The conference participation and training will provide immediate transferable skills to PhDs and postdocs which will enhance their future carrier to the benefit to them, science and society.
Organisations
- University of Sheffield (Lead Research Organisation)
- University of Connecticut (Collaboration)
- University of Silesia (Collaboration)
- King Saud University (Collaboration)
- University of Hull (Collaboration)
- Calico Life Sciences (Collaboration)
- IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
- University of Tennessee (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD (Collaboration)
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Collaboration)
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) (Collaboration)
- Kyushu University (Collaboration)
- University of Sheffield (Collaboration)
- MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- Liverpool John Moores University (Collaboration)
Publications
Raza A
(2020)
A Dinuclear Ruthenium(II) Complex Excited by Near-Infrared Light through Two-Photon Absorption Induces Phototoxicity Deep within Hypoxic Regions of Melanoma Cancer Spheroids.
in Journal of the American Chemical Society
Archer S
(2019)
A dinuclear ruthenium(II) phototherapeutic that targets duplex and quadruplex DNA
in Chemical Science
Archer SA
(2019)
A dinuclear ruthenium(ii) phototherapeutic that targets duplex and quadruplex DNA.
in Chemical science
Barendt TA
(2018)
Anion-Mediated Photophysical Behavior in a C60 Fullerene [3]Rotaxane Shuttle.
in Journal of the American Chemical Society
Smitten K
(2023)
Clearing an ESKAPE Pathogen in a Model Organism; A Polypyridyl Ruthenium(II) Complex Theranostic that Treats a Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infection in Galleria mellonella
in Chemistry - A European Journal
Fernández-Terán R
(2023)
Comprehensive Inorganic Chemistry III
Polak DW
(2023)
Conjugation-length dependence of regioregular oligo 3-alkyl(thienylene-vinylene)s demonstrates polyene-like behaviour with weak electron-electron correlations.
in Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP
Appleby M
(2020)
Cu( i ) diimine complexes as immobilised antibacterial photosensitisers operating in water under visible light
in Materials Advances
Graf A
(2019)
Deciphering the Mechanisms of Bacterial Inactivation on HiPIMS Sputtered Cu x O-FeO x -PET Surfaces: From Light Absorption to Catalytic Bacterial Death
in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Archer SA
(2017)
Directly Coupled Versus Spectator Linkers on Diimine PtII Acetylides-Change the Structure, Keep the Function?
in Chemistry (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)
Bossanyi DG
(2021)
Emissive spin-0 triplet-pairs are a direct product of triplet-triplet annihilation in pentacene single crystals and anthradithiophene films.
in Nature chemistry
Clancy E
(2023)
Fluorescence and phosphorescence lifetime imaging reveals a significant cell nuclear viscosity and refractive index changes upon DNA damage.
in Scientific reports
A.P. Chauvet A
(2019)
Fourier Transforms - Century of Digitalization and Increasing Expectations
Musser AJ
(2019)
Heavy-atom effects on intramolecular singlet fission in a conjugated polymer.
in The Journal of chemical physics
Crowston BJ
(2019)
Heteronuclear d-d and d-f Ru(ii)/M complexes [M = Gd(iii), Yb(iii), Nd(iii), Zn(ii) or Mn(ii)] of ligands combining phenanthroline and aminocarboxylate binding sites: combined relaxivity, cell imaging and photophysical studies.
in Dalton transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
Bossanyi D
(2022)
In optimized rubrene-based nanoparticle blends for photon upconversion, singlet energy collection outcompetes triplet-pair separation, not singlet fission
in Journal of Materials Chemistry C
Marin-Beloqui J
(2022)
Insight into the Origin of Trapping in Polymer/Fullerene Blends with a Systematic Alteration of the Fullerene to Higher Adducts.
in The journal of physical chemistry. C, Nanomaterials and interfaces
Saeed HK
(2020)
Making the Right Link to Theranostics: The Photophysical and Biological Properties of Dinuclear RuII-ReI dppz Complexes Depend on Their Tether.
in Journal of the American Chemical Society
Polak D
(2020)
Manipulating molecules with strong coupling: harvesting triplet excitons in organic exciton microcavities.
in Chemical science
Sasitharan K
(2022)
Metal-Organic Framework Nanosheets as Templates to Enhance Performance in Semi-Crystalline Organic Photovoltaic Cells.
in Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
Sasitharan K
(2020)
Metal-organic framework nanosheets for enhanced performance of organic photovoltaic cells
in Journal of Materials Chemistry A
Farrow GA
(2021)
On the intersystem crossing rate in a Platinum(II) donor-bridge-acceptor triad.
in Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP
Appleby M
(2022)
Optical excitation processes: general discussion.
in Faraday discussions
Shipp J
(2022)
Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to CO in Aqueous Solution under Red-Light Irradiation by a Zn-Porphyrin-Sensitized Mn(I) Catalyst.
in Inorganic chemistry
Sasaki Y
(2024)
Radiative pumping in a strongly coupled microcavity filled with a neat molecular film showing excimer emission.
in Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP
Shipp JD
(2020)
Sterically hindered Re- and Mn-CO2 reduction catalysts for solar energy conversion.
in Dalton transactions (Cambridge, England : 2003)
Brückner C
(2021)
Structural and Photophysical Characterization of All Five Constitutional Isomers of the Octaethyl-ß,ß'-dioxo-bacterio- and -isobacteriochlorin Series.
in Chemistry (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany)
Weinstein JA
(2020)
The future iron age.
in Nature chemistry
Appleby MV
(2023)
Ultrafast electronic, infrared, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy study of Cu(I) phosphine diimine complexes.
in Faraday discussions
Clancy A
(2021)
Understanding spontaneous dissolution of crystalline layered carbon nitride for tuneable photoluminescent solutions and glasses
in Journal of Materials Chemistry A
Title | Periodic Table of Poetry |
Description | We supported an outreach project organised for the International Year of the Periodic Table. The goal is to create an interactive periodic table with a poem associated to every element. These poems are written by academic staff, student and pupils. It will be made available online hoping that it will promote a liking for the field of science (in particular, chemistry). This project fits within the grant as we are taking particular attention to the effect of specific element on the overall electronic dynamics of porphyrins. |
Type Of Art | Creative Writing |
Year Produced | 2019 |
Impact | The website is created but needs polishing. After completion, it will be made available online. |
Description | The grant is to develop a regional laser facility for use across several EPSRC portfolio areas. The facility is presently in the testing mode and will be operational in the near future. New developments: The facility was officially open in March 2018, to become the Lord Porter Laser Laboratory. The website is at https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/faculty/science/research/facilities/laserlab |
Exploitation Route | The equipment is used by a broad range of researchers working in several areas of the EPSRC portfolio. It is used by multiple groups at the University of Sheffield, as well as groups from Oxford, Liverpool, Imperial, UCL, Cambridge. Substantial international collaborations include Japan, USA, Australia, and Switzerland. |
Sectors | Chemicals Energy Environment Healthcare |
URL | https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/laser-spectroscopy |
Description | The findings have been used to communicate the importance of various light-driven technologies during open days. |
First Year Of Impact | 2018 |
Sector | Chemicals,Education,Energy |
Impact Types | Cultural Societal |
Description | Case studentship (EPSRC + Calico) |
Amount | £123,556 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2024 |
End | 09/2028 |
Description | Daniel Hook EPSRC Studentship |
Amount | £54,631 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2019 |
End | 09/2023 |
Description | EPSRC Capital Award for Core Equipment |
Amount | £549,334 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/T024526/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2020 |
End | 08/2021 |
Description | EPSRC Energy Feasibility Studies |
Amount | £195,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2017 |
End | 04/2019 |
Description | IAA Funding for Calico 6 month postdoc |
Amount | £27,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2023 |
End | 11/2023 |
Description | James Pidgeon EPSRC Studentship |
Amount | £54,631 (GBP) |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2018 |
End | 12/2022 |
Description | KE with Metallobio |
Amount | £4,500 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Sheffield |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2021 |
End | 01/2022 |
Description | Maximising Shared Capability of the Ultrafast Spectroscopy Laser Laboratory at Sheffield |
Amount | £199,277 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/R042802/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2018 |
End | 09/2021 |
Description | Molecular Photonic Breadboards |
Amount | £7,255,283 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/T012455/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2020 |
End | 11/2026 |
Description | Molecular Photonic Breadboards |
Amount | £7,255,282 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/T012455/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2020 |
End | 05/2026 |
Description | NERC discipline hopping |
Amount | £9,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Sheffield |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2022 |
End | 03/2022 |
Description | Near-Field Optical Spectroscopy Centre at Sheffield, NOSC |
Amount | £1,656,501 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/V007696/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2020 |
End | 05/2024 |
Description | Property-Enhanced Porphyrins |
Amount | £379,305 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/R045305/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 11/2018 |
End | 10/2023 |
Description | Reconnect Travel Grant |
Amount | £12,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | British Council |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2023 |
End | 04/2024 |
Description | Rob Gordon Studentship |
Amount | £54,631 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 210152865 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2021 |
End | 09/2025 |
Description | Singlet Fission in Carotenoid Aggregates (SIFICA) |
Amount | £851,312 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/S002103/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2019 |
End | 12/2022 |
Description | Singlet Fission in Carotenoid Aggregates (SIFICA) |
Amount | £294,636 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/S002766/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2019 |
End | 12/2021 |
Description | SitS ECR Placement |
Amount | £7,800 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Sheffield |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2021 |
End | 08/2021 |
Description | SitS NSF-UKRI: Real-time and Continuous Monitoring of Phosphates in the Soil with Graphene-Based Printed Sensor Arrays |
Amount | £794,015 (GBP) |
Funding ID | NE/T010924/1 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2020 |
End | 01/2024 |
Title | Long-time TA |
Description | In partnership with Dr. Jenny Clark, the PDRA helped develop a transient absorption spectroscopy setup with time window spanning the ns-ms range. |
Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
Year Produced | 2020 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | Publications are to come |
Title | Transient absorption in reflection mode |
Description | Enabling transient absorption in reflection mode for opaque samples. |
Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
Year Produced | 2022 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | It enables us to characterise a wider range of samples |
Title | broadband fluorescence upconversion |
Description | Broadband ultrafast fluorescence upconversion is the technique which allows to perform time-resolved emission measurements with the time resolution limited only by laser pulse. The broadband configuration that has been installed as part of collaboration with Professor Niko Ernsting, Humboldt University Berlin, is as far as we are aware the most sensitive spectral variant of the method. There is only one of these setups in the UK. It allows to measure processes such as ultrafast intersystem crossing (relevant for example to OLEDs and POLEDs), or small changes in the fluorophore's environment (relevant to, for example, emission imaging and single molecule spectroscopy of biological samples). |
Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
Year Produced | 2018 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | The publication is in preparation |
Title | Data for "In optimized rubrene-based nanoparticle blends for photon upconversion, singlet energy collection outcompetes triplet-pair separation, not singlet fission" |
Description | The complete dataset underlying the article "In optimized rubrene-based nanoparticle blends for photon upconversion, singlet energy collection outcompetes triplet-pair separation, not singlet fission". Source data is provided here for figures in both the main article and supplementary information. See README.html for details. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | https://figshare.shef.ac.uk/articles/dataset/Data_for_In_optimized_rubrene-based_nanoparticle_blends... |
Title | Data for "Spin statistics for triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion: exchange coupling, intermolecular orientation and reverse intersystem crossing" |
Description | The complete dataset underlying the article "Spin statistics for triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion: exchange coupling, intermolecular orientation and reverse intersystem crossing". Source data is provided here for figures in both the main article and supplementary information. See README.html for details. |
Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
URL | https://figshare.shef.ac.uk/articles/dataset/Data_for_Spin_statistics_for_triplet-triplet_annihilati... |
Description | Calico partnership |
Organisation | Calico Life Sciences |
Country | United States |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | To measure triplet states of fluorescent proteins (KE studentship) and to understand and help design the magnetic-field dependent properties of FPs. |
Collaborator Contribution | To design and supply FPs and contribute to impact. |
Impact | None yet. |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | Christian Brückner: Sample provider |
Organisation | University of Connecticut |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are characterising the ultrafast electron dynamics of the unique porphyrins that the collaborator has synthesised. He send us a couple of prophyrin series in 2016 and again in 2020. This collaboration was the basis of this grant. Hence, while it started before the grant was allocated, the grant enabled the collaboration to develop. |
Collaborator Contribution | Prof Bruckner has provided us with unique set of porphyrins. |
Impact | The first set of data are acquired and analysed. Publication is to come |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Fyaz Ismail: antimalarial drug |
Organisation | Liverpool John Moores University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We will provide with characterisation of the synthetized drug. The objective is to study it mode of operation, to possibly evaluate their efficiency. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provided with samples |
Impact | The first molecules have been characterised; data analysis is still to be finalized. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | George Sutherland (Sample provider) |
Organisation | University of Sheffield |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We provided ultrafast and steady-state characterisation of the samples. |
Collaborator Contribution | The partner provided us with unique protein maquette for characterisation. |
Impact | Analysis of the data is still on-going. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Hadi Alqahtani: Irradiated thin film metal oxides |
Organisation | King Saud University |
Country | Saudi Arabia |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We will provide with ultrafast characterisation of the films in order to correlate our result with their catalytic properties |
Collaborator Contribution | Will provided with thin films |
Impact | The collaboration just started; we will receive the first samples within the coming weeks. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Hunter partnership |
Organisation | University of Sheffield |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Based on the findings from this project, we began a collaboration with biologists (Hunter FRS group) to examine the biological effects of singlet fission in polyenes (eg carotenoids). We measured the samples they produced and worked together to understand the findings. |
Collaborator Contribution | 1 PhD student made synthetic proteins, another extracted biological carotenoid complexes. We measured their samples and together understood the findings. |
Impact | Grant has been written and was accepted. Joint papers published or under review. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | IC Heeney partnership |
Organisation | Imperial College London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We asked Prof. Martin Heeney for specific materials for singlet fission. They synthesised them, we measured them and analysed the results. |
Collaborator Contribution | PhD student at Imperial synthesised and performed initial characterisation on a range of polyenes for singlet fission studies. Sent them to Sheffield for ultrafast characterisation by us. |
Impact | Paper under review. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Jacek Nycz, photo-induced proton transfers |
Organisation | University of Silesia |
Country | Poland |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Provide photodynamic characterisation |
Collaborator Contribution | Provide unique photoactive compounds. |
Impact | None yet. Acquired data have to be analysed further. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Jacek Nycz, photo-induced proton transfers |
Organisation | University of Silesia |
Country | Poland |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Provide photodynamic characterisation |
Collaborator Contribution | Provide unique photoactive compounds. |
Impact | None yet. Acquired data have to be analysed further. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Jacek Nycz: Proton transfer |
Organisation | University of Silesia |
Country | Poland |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are investigating the light induced proton transfers in the model proteins provided |
Collaborator Contribution | Provided with quinine-derivatives samples |
Impact | Frist sample received. Characterisation is to come |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Jenny Clark: Tuning of the ISC |
Organisation | University of Sheffield |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Scientific contribution to develop a sub-project aimed at exploring the effect of host medium on porphyrin's inter-system crossing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Knowledge, expertise, access to equipment and further collaborators. |
Impact | Through this collaboration, we developed a long-time transient absorption (up to micro-second) to observe the more physiologically relevant processes. |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Jenny Clark: Tuning of the ISC |
Organisation | University of Sheffield |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Scientific contribution to develop a sub-project aimed at exploring the effect of host medium on porphyrin's inter-system crossing. |
Collaborator Contribution | Knowledge, expertise, access to equipment and further collaborators. |
Impact | Through this collaboration, we developed a long-time transient absorption (up to micro-second) to observe the more physiologically relevant processes. |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Jim Thomas, Ru complexes |
Organisation | University of Sheffield |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Provided with photodynamic characterisations, looking at phototoxicity. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provided with Ru-complexes |
Impact | Hopefully, a publication will come out of the analysis. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Jona Foster: Functionalising graphene using MONs |
Organisation | University of Sheffield |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | My research team will provide will electronic characterisation of the newly build materials. |
Collaborator Contribution | Together, we secured an EPSRC DTP studentship who will produce Metal Organic Nanosheet to functionalise the graphene substrate. |
Impact | First MONs have been synthetized, but not yet characterized. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Kyushu chemistry collaboration |
Organisation | Kyushu University |
Country | Japan |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | During this EPSRC grant we developed new techniques, instruments and knowledge that directly resulted in this collaboration. We work with our Kyushu partners to understand the fundamental physics and physical chemistry of new up-conversion and organic quantum materials. We measure time-resolved and temperature- and magnetic-field dependent spectroscopy of new materials designed and synthesised in Kyushu. Our results and understanding lend themselves to their new molecular designs. |
Collaborator Contribution | The group in Kyushu led by Prof. Yanai design and synthesise new compounds for solar energy harvesting and quantum applications. They pass on their knowledge and materials to us and we measure them. They also send PhD students to Sheffield and together we have applied for one successful and one unsuccessful funding bid. (Not from UKRI). |
Impact | * J. Am. Chem. Soc. Au (2021) * J. Mater. Chem. C (2022) * unsuccessful funding bid * successful travel grant (British Council) |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Mohamed Ismail - Uni of Hull |
Organisation | University of Hull |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We provide structural, electrochemical and spectroscopic characterisation of novel carbon-based materials with potential use in hydrogen fuel cells. |
Collaborator Contribution | He provides his expertise in fuel cell technology, and access to |
Impact | Together, we secured funding for a joint PhD studentship |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Prof Craig Banks' electrodes |
Organisation | Manchester Metropolitan University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We provided with novel MONs as well as characterisation of the final electrode. |
Collaborator Contribution | They provided with the graphene-base ink and access to printer to print electrodes. |
Impact | We have made a series of novel graphene-MON electrodes |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Sami Rtimi: antibacterial thin film metal oxides |
Organisation | Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) |
Country | Switzerland |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Provided with electron dynamic characterisation. While the collaboration started before this award, the award enabled the collaboration to develop further. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provided with samples |
Impact | One paper already published. And we have the data for two more publications. |
Start Year | 2015 |
Description | Theory partnership |
Organisation | University of Oxford |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We performed experiments, Prof. Barford (Oxford Chemistry) used the basis of these measurements to begin a research effort (1 PhD student) into calculations on understanding singlet fission in polyenes. |
Collaborator Contribution | 1 PhD student + supervisor time for calculations. |
Impact | 3-year grant We have both submitted publications (one currently under review in Science) that resulted indirectly from this collaboration. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Thiago Cardozo: Theoretical support |
Organisation | Federal University of Rio de Janeiro |
Department | Institute of Chemistry |
Country | Brazil |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have provided with steady-state and kinetic data on particular porphyrins. |
Collaborator Contribution | They have provided with modelling that will help interpret our data. |
Impact | A first set of porphyrins have been modelled; modelling it now to be refined based on the data we provided and publication is to come. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Viktor Nemykin, theoretical support |
Organisation | University of Tennessee |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Provide photodynamic characterisation. |
Collaborator Contribution | Provides DFT modelling of porphyrins. |
Impact | 1 publication, and another submitted manuscript. 1 more to come in 2022. |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | 2017 Energy Symposium at the U. of Sheffield |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Talk and poster at the 2017 Energy Symposium at the U. of Sheffield; used to showcase the group research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | 2017 Krebs Symposium at the U. of Sheffield |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Talk at the 2017 Krebs Symposium at the U. of Sheffield, to showcase the lab's capabilities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | 24hr Inspire |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Talk at the 2017's charity event 24hr Inspire to showcase the research done and raise funds. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | AVS 63rd International Symposium and Exhibition |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Invited talk at the AVS 63rd International Symposium and Exhibition, Nashville, USA. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | CLF User Meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk at the CLF User Meeting; to showcase current research and foster collaboration. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Cafe Scientifique |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Outreach talk to showcase the research done at the university, to the general public. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Festival of the Mind exhibition |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Collaboration with 4 artists to describe the research in different ways. From this project, a picture entitled 'exciton' and a lobster-flying fairy sculpture. The posters are now up in the department, where they are discussed at open days, and mugs were produced and passed out to various audiences. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | I'm a Scientist, Get me out of here! |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Outreach online platform where (registered) students can ask science-related questions. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://imascientist.org.uk/ |
Description | ISPPCC 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk given at the 2017 ISPPCC, Oxford. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Ignite 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talk at the local Ignite event, to showcase the research facility to a general audience. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Invited seminar |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Invited to give a seminar at the collaborator's research group, at Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Laser Lab Opening |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Talk to showcase the research done at opening of the laser facility. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Panel discussion on sustainability |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | I participated in a panel discussion on sustainability at the University of Manchester. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Postgraduate 1st year talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | This is a local event organised to give PhD students the opportunity to show their work to the wider student and staff within the university. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Postgraduate Poster Showcase |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | This is a local event organised to give PhD students the opportunity to showcase the group's research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Primary school visits and discovery night demonstrations (liquid nitrogen etc..) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | liquid nitrogen demonstration, mainly aimed at primary school children and their families. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |
Description | St Mary's Catholic High School |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Outreach talk at the St Mary's Catholic High School. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Talks at active travel events |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Using transferrable skills learned directly by working and managing a physics lab and giving talks at international conferences means that, following applying for some funding, I have been invited to give talks at active travel events. Odd though this may sound, knowledge about the hierarchy of safety management from working with and managing labs and about how to present complex data in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner has meant that I have been able to present data on risk and travel in an engaging (and perhaps unusual way). I found that policy-makers, general public and professional practitioners reported changed attitues and that policies are starting to change on a local level (though slowly). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2023 |
Description | Tapton Secondary School |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Outreach talk |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Tetra Pyrrole Discussion (Annual) Group Meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Invited talk at the regional TPDGM, Liverpool. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |