Metasurfaces for photonic sensors

• Grant number: 23/08797-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): January 08, 2024
• Effective date (End): August 07, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Telecommunications
• Principal Investigator: Emiliano Rezende Martins
• Grantee: Guilherme Simoneti de Arruda
• Supervisor: Thomas Fraser-Krauss
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Research place: University of York, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 20/15940-2 - Metasurfaces for photonic sensing applications, BP.DR

Abstract

The goal of this PhD exchange proposal is to design, fabricate and characterize state-of-the-art metasurfaces dedicated to the miniaturization of sensing photonic components and systems. This initiative is a natural step for the candidate research activities, given the importance of his recent achievements on metasurface designs for sensing applications. In addition, the candidate will have the opportunity to actively participate in the fabrication of the structures. The rationale of this proposal is both scientific and pedagogical. The scientific motivation is associated with the tremendous technological importance of photonic sensors in the field of integrated optics, due to their high sensibility, low cost, and amenability to miniaturization. Such characteristics are crucial for Point-of-Care applications, where diagnosis is obtained at the place of collection. The candidate has already demonstrated, in the microwave regime, a novel type of metasurface which is robust against material losses and experimental errors. During the exchange, the candidate will seek to apply this novel design to sensors operating in the optical regime, aiming to a practical realization of a sensing metasurface. The candidate will also tap on his modelling experience to develop metasurfaces in the UV regime, in collaboration with Dr. Augusto Martins and Prof. Thomas F. Krauss. Besides the important scientific impact of these activities, the candidate will have the opportunity to improve and extend his experimental abilities, as he will learn how to fabricate and measure nanostructured photonic devices and will be immersed in a leading experimental photonics group. (AU)