Work within Nano-CEMMS has developed multiple modes of sensing capabilities within fluidic systems. In addition, different strategies for position sensing at the nanoscale are being developed. Optical and electrical transduction are being pursued.

The Kenis and Cunningham team has developed the ability to introduce 2-D photonic crystal structures into the walls of microfluidic elements.

The Choquette team has successfully built and tested VSCEL structures with fluid channels routed between the DBR layers. Passage of different analytes through the channel modifiy the emission wavelength of the VSCEL, producing characteristic shifts in the peak emission. This allows for direct signalling out from complex microfluidic circuits.

The Lu, Fang and Ferreira group are collaborating to use the fine resolutions and favorable economics of the superionic stamping process for producing SERS (Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy) and LSPR (Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance) sensor substrates. These systems, integrated with microfluidic systems, will contribute to chemical sensing for the combinatorial chemistry chip.

Three length scales of features shown in a combinatorial chemistry chip with integrated photonic sensing from the Kenis and Cunningham laboratories