Thesis

MicroLED - pumped colloidal nanomaterials for biosensing and quantum photonics

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2025
Thesis identifier
  • T17454
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 201867286
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • This thesis explores the combination of micro size LEDs (μLEDs) with colloidal quantum dot materials in order (i) to create hybrid bioinstrumentation, with the overarching goal of advancing point-of-care diagnostics; (ii) to progress the development and understanding of elastomeric colour converters; and (iii) to pump-prime and assess the potential for a new single photon source in the visible. (i) Many existing diagnostic devices rely on specialized expertise and entail prolonged result wait times. μLEDs, traditionally associated with lighting and display applications, are harnessed in this study to miniaturize excitation sources in a fluorescence platform without the need for additional optics. This innovation is showcased through the development of an optical biosensor, illustrating the potential for creating smaller, portable devices while preserving robust detection capabilities. The thesis delves into the detection of proteins conjugated to colloidal quantum dots, demonstrating their detectability using a smartphone. Further exploration of the optical biosensor's capabilities includes multiplexing and the utilization of a novel colloidal quantum dot based fluorescent tag — a supraparticle. (ii) In addition, colloidal quantum dots incorporated into an elastomeric polymer undergo temperature treatment to investigate their photoluminescent properties. This analysis aims to establish a functional operating temperature for colloidal quantum dot colour converters integrated into devices. (iii) Lastly, the study investigates colloidal quantum dots (as well as nano-diamonds) combined into a polymer film, exploring their potential as a single photon source. The ultimate objective is to assess whether a μLED can be employed to excite single quantum dots and showcase single photon emission, although this specific outcome was not realized in the present work.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Laurand, Nicolas
  • Scullion, Mark
  • McKnight, Loyd
Resource Type
Note
  • Date on title page is 2023
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