Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Our research programs are focused on the development and understanding of new materials with optical properties of interest in visible, near and short-wavelength infrared for a new generation of computers, telecommunication systems, sensors, and healthcare devices. NSERC RTI funds are requested for the acquisition of a time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) system that is urgently needed for the applicant team to provide training opportunities, to advance our research programs, and to enhance our publication records and international research profiles. The Edinburgh Instruments FS5 system (customized for this project) has been chosen as a cost-effective solution offering light emission measurements for liquid and solid (thin film) samples over an extended wavelength range (200-1700nm), for lifetimes in the 2.5 ns - 100 us range, and at low temperatures (77-300K). The system offers different detectors with sensitivity in the visible, near- (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) ranges, which are critical for the development of new materials for Si photonics, optoelectronics, bioimaging, and sensing, and for understanding their fundamental properties in the time domain. While Western has photoluminescence spectrometers designed for the visible range, light detection capabilities in these extended wavelengths (NIR and SWIR) are not currently available and this is a bottleneck for progress in our research. This system offers a user-friendly interface accessible to non-experts, and does not require significant experience in optics. This accessibility will facilitate training of a core group of 42 HQP across seven different research groups at Western in the Departments of Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, and Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. This instrument will also support several international research projects and university-industry partnerships. The new time-resolved photoluminescence system will bring new capabilities for parametric studies of novel materials over a broad range of temperatures and wavelengths. Fundamental properties of new materials that can be revealed with this system will open new possibilities for many applications in electronic-photonic integrated circuits and sensors important for the Materials and Manufacturing sectors in Canada.