Advanced sensing platforms

About the project

The Raman spectroscopy technique provides a ’spectral fingerprint’ of a molecule that can be used for analytical proposes in a variety of applications. It is well suited for the analysis of solid, liquid and gas samples without the need for laborious sample preparation. The main obstacle to the widespread implementation of Raman spectroscopy is that the Raman effect is very weak. In this context, Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) combines all advantages of the Raman technique, notably the high specificity, with greatly increased sensitivity. This extends the application scope of SERS to analytical chemistry and biochemistry, forensics and trace analysis of medicines, drugs, explosives, etc. In the context of SERS implementation for trace detection, it is essential to design sensing platforms that are stable, robust, and reproducible and that can be produced at reduced cost and, if necessary, on a large scale. Over the past few years, there has been a notable shift in the development of SERS substrates, gearing toward practical applications where high reproducibility and enhancement are of paramount importance.

The PhD project will cover the full technological cycle from materials fabrication, characterisation and laser-assisted modification to translation of the material systems into sensing platforms.

Diversity statement

Our research community thrives on the diversity of students and staff which helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for postgraduate research.  We welcome applications from all talented individuals and are committed to widening access to those who have the ability and potential to benefit from higher education.