About project

About project

ERDF project Nr. 1.1.1.1/16/A/259

Project title: Development of novel WGM microresonators for optical frequency standards and biosensors, and their characterization with a femtosecond optical frequency comb

Project aim: to acquire new knowledge of know-how in design, stabilizing and modeling of the WGM resonator, and the detection of biomolecule using the resonator, thus supporting the objectives of the  Latvian Smart specialization, scientific and technological development of human capital and the creation of new knowledge for economy to improve competitiveness.

Project period: 01.03.2017. - 28.02.2020.

 

Brief description of the project summary 

Whispering-gallery mode (WGM) resonators are made of a round shaped optically transparent material and keep inside and circulating the let in light wave using the total internal reflection effect. One of  the WGM advantages is that it is suitable for a wide range of optical radiation, as well as it is more compact, easy and cheaper than traditional two-mirror optical resonators. Stabilizing the laser emission on the resonator significantly narrows the spectral width of the laser. This is important for creating optical atomic clocks, as well as further useful for applications in  spectroscopy and interferometry. In the lead of Dr. Janis Alnis during this project the manufacturing technology and research trends of WGM resonator will be introduced in Latvian, based on previous experience acquired in Germany. A technological solution - a prototype of technology which combines the WGM resonator with saturation spectroscopy of rubidium atoms to compensate for thermal drift and to improve the long-term stability will be created. Modern femtosecond optical frequency comb which is available in the laboratory will be used for measurements. Dr. Romans Viteri, who has big experience in the biosensor development, will manage the part of the project which will test WGM resonators as potential biosensors. In regard to this part of the project the surface of WGM will be coated with thin metal oxide nanostructures (ZnO, TiO2), nanoparticles (Au) or polymers (PANI, Ppy), which will provide the immobilization of biomolecules. The distribution of light  in the resonator and the optical signals will be model using the COMSOL program and the formalism of density matrix.

 

This research project contributes to the following strategies of the Latvian Smart tehnology specialization by transformation of the direction of economy and the growth of the priorities and the development of the area of specialization:

1. smart materials, technology and engineering:
   • prototype of the best performing WGM resonator is created;
   • technology to stabilize the WGM resonator using the Rb saturation spectroscopy is created;
   • using the WGM resonator the biomolecules sensor prototype is created;
2. technologies of information and communication by development of a computer program, which will model signals of WGM resonator;
3. biomedicine, medical technology, biotechnology and biopharmacy because new knowledge is obtained in the development field of the biosensors.