In addition, this project also investigated schemes that might enhance the phase change in the SPR sensor. The "double-pass" and "multi-pass" approaches through which the SPR phase can be amplified upon hitting the sensor surface more than once, have been experimentally studied and successfully demonstrated. A double-pass method can immediately offer two times of phase change as compared to the singlepass one. Accordingly the multi-pass scheme offers a higher then two times phase enhancement. Such improvement in phase detection is extremely important for biosensing applications involving small molecules, small proteins, DNA and etc. Another approach for detection performance improvement is to incorporate a multilayer configuration for the biosensing surface. In order to improve the dynamic measurement response, we proposed to use a multiple resonant angle measurement approach in conjunction with the single-beam self-referenced phase-sensitive SPR configuration. With the use of many multiple incident angles, the system provided sensing capability that covers a refractive index (RI) 1.33 to over 1.38. A 128-element array detector was employed to measure the resonance phase change over the range of the incident angles to ensure a reasonably continuous phase response curves achievable from the system. / This project is concerned with the development and optimization of optical sensors based on measuring the phase change of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect. The phase sensitive SPR technique provides very high sensitivity performance due to the fact that an abrupt phase jump occurs near the resonance dip, thus resulting in large phase shift with very small change in the sensing medium. A range of different measurement techniques for enhancing system sensitivity have been investigated. Moreover we also studied the phase change characteristics around the SPR dip region by means of simulation in order to explore various approaches for achieving further improvement in sensitivity and as well as wide dynamic range. Since SPR is caused by electron charge density oscillations in metal surface in which the wave momentum required for plasmon wave excitation is always larger than that for free space, an inverted prism-coupling scheme (prism-metal-dielectric) is commonly used and this configuration was also employed in our experimental setup, particularly for the SPR biosensor based on differential phase Mach-Zehnder interferometer configuration. This design primarily operates by taking advantage of the fact that SPR only affects the p-polarization while leaving the s-polarization unchanged. This means that differential phase measurement between the p- and s- polarizations will result in SPR signals that are completely free from any disturbances that are common to both channels. Experimental results obtained from glycerin/water mixtures indicate that the sensitivity limit of our scheme is 5.48 x 10 -8 refractive index unit per 0.01° phase change. To our knowledge, this is a significant improvement over previously obtained results when gold is used as the sensor surface. While acknowledging that accurate optical alignment is a crucial requirement for the Mach-Zehnder interferometer and it is often not easy to maintain high degree alignment accuracies in practical situations, we have developed a versatile and low cost single-beam self-referenced phase-sensitive surface SPR sensing system. The system exhibits a root-mean-square phase fluctuation of +/-0.0028° over a period of 45 minutes, i.e. a resolution of +/-5.2x10 -9 refractive index units. The enhanced performance has been achieved through the incorporation of three design elements: (i) a true single-beam configuration enabling complete self-referencing so that only the phase change associated with SPR gets detected; (ii) a differential measurement scheme to eliminate spurious signals not related to the sensor response; (iii) elimination of retardation drifts by incorporating temperature stabilization in the liquid crystal phase modulator. Our design should bring the detection sensitivity of non-labeling SPR biosensing closer to that achievable by conventional florescence-based techniques. / Wu, Shu Yuen. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-06, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2011. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 132-147). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

No description available.

Hydrogen, one of the cleanest energies, is very attractive in the near future. However, it could be hazardous to store, transport and use hydrogen gas because leakage can cause explosion if sparks appear. Therefore, it is essential to develop sensors to detect the hydrogen leakage in order to prevent potential accidents. In this research, Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor (MIS) Schottky-diode hydrogen sensors with different gate insulators (Ta2O5, La2O3, LaTiON, and HfTiO) or substrates (Si, SiC, and InGaN/GaN MQW) were prepared in order to study their hydrogen sensing performances. Firstly, two sensors based on Si and SiC with Ta2O5 as gate insulator were prepared and compared. Owing to high permittivity (~25), good thermal stability and low electrical defects, Ta2O5 was chosen as the insulator. The differences in sensitivity and response time between the two sensors were ascribed to the difference in the surface morphology of Ta2O5 between the SiC sensor (mean surface roughness was 0.39 nm) and its Si counterpart (mean surface roughness was 0.22 nm). Secondly, due to the high permittivity (~25) and good thermal stability of La2O3, the high permittivity (~20), low interface-state density, and low leakage current of LaTiON, Si sensors with these two dielectrics as gate insulator were developed. The sensitivity of the La2O3 sensor could exceed 7.0 at 150 oC, and the sensor exhibited good hydrogen sensing performance at up to 250 oC. On the other hand, the maximum sensitivity of the LaTiON sensor could reach 2.5 at 100 oC. For the LaTiON sensor, the Poole-Frenkel model controlled the carrier transport at high temperatures (150 ~ 200 oC) while the thermionic emission was the dominant conduction mechanism at lower temperatures (from room temperature to 150 oC). For the La2O3 sensor, the hydrogen reaction kinetics was confirmed, and an activation energy of 10.9 kcal/mol was obtained for this sensor. Thirdly, the La2O3 gate insulator used in the previous work was applied to make MIS sensor on SiC substrate for higher-temperature applications. Its maximum sensitivity and response time at high temperature (260 oC) are 4.6 and 20 s, respectively. The electrical conduction mechanisms were explained in terms of Fowler-Nordheim tunneling (below 120 oC) and the Poole-Frenkel effect (above 120 oC). Finally, in order to see whether the unique structure of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) can be utilized for the MIS Schottky-diode hydrogen sensor, three sensors were made on InGaN/GaN MQWs substrate, one without gate insulator, one Finally, in order to see whether the unique structure of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) can be utilized for the MIS Schottky-diode hydrogen sensor, three sensors were made on InGaN/GaN MQWs substrate, one without gate insulator, one In summary, the quality of the gate insulator plays an important part in the performance of the hydrogen sensors. SiC and InGaN/GaN MQW substrates are suitable for high-temperature (from ~200 to ~500 oC) applications while the low-cost sensors based on Si substrate can function well below about 200 oC. Hydrogen sensors with these high-k materials (Ta2O5, La2O3, LaTiON, and HfTiO) as gate insulator can produce good electrical characteristics, high sensitivity, and fast response. / published_or_final_version / Electrical and Electronic Engineering / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Electrical and Electronic Engineering / Master / Master of Philosophy

No description available.

Yang, Li. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 67-72). / Abstract also in Chinese. / Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Background and Motivation --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Objectives --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- Contributions --- p.2 / Chapter 1.4 --- Organization of the Dissertation --- p.3 / Chapter 2 --- Carbon Nanotubes as Sensing Elements --- p.4 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.4 / Chapter 2.2 --- Introduction to Carbon Nanotubes --- p.4 / Chapter 2.3 --- Chemical Sensor Applications --- p.6 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Semiconducting Sensors --- p.7 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Dielectric Sensors --- p.8 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Adsorption Based Sensors --- p.9 / Chapter 2.4 --- Dielectrophoresis of CNTs --- p.9 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Theory and Methodology --- p.10 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Basic CNTs Sensor Fabrication Process Using DEP Force --- p.13 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Electronic-Grade Carbon Nanotubes --- p.13 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Simulation --- p.14 / Chapter 2.5 --- Photodesorption Phenomenon --- p.16 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Chemical Desorption Process Induced by UV Illumination --- p.16 / Chapter 2.6 --- Summary --- p.19 / Chapter 3 --- Design of NaOCl Sensors Based on EG-CNTs in Microfluidic System --- p.20 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.20 / Chapter 3.2 --- Chemical --- p.20 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Introduction to Chemical Properties and Reactions --- p.21 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Reagents --- p.23 / Chapter 3.3 --- Methods for Chemical Detection --- p.23 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Hypochlorite Detection --- p.23 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Chlorine Gas Detection --- p.24 / Chapter 3.4 --- Design and Fabrication --- p.26 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Sodium Hypochlorite Sensor Using Microfluidic System --- p.26 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Modified Design For Indirect Detection to Chlorine Gas --- p.29 / Chapter 3.5 --- Equipments --- p.30 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- Source Meter --- p.30 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Pneumatic Pump --- p.31 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- UV Illumination Devices --- p.31 / Chapter 3.5.4 --- Experimental Setup --- p.32 / Chapter 3.6 --- Summary --- p.34 / Chapter 4 --- Results --- p.35 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.35 / Chapter 4.2 --- Processes of the Experiments --- p.35 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Response to Static Solution --- p.35 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Response to Fluid Flow --- p.36 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Response to Gas --- p.36 / Chapter 4.3 --- Noise and Accuracy --- p.37 / Chapter 4.4 --- I-V Characteristics --- p.38 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- EG-CNTs Sensor --- p.38 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Variation Under UV Illumination --- p.39 / Chapter 4.5 --- Responses to Sodium Hypochlorite Solution --- p.41 / Chapter 4.5.1 --- Typical Responses --- p.41 / Chapter 4.5.2 --- Selectivity --- p.44 / Chapter 4.5.3 --- Sensitivity --- p.45 / Chapter 4.5.4 --- Effect of Injection Flow Rate on Sensor Performance --- p.50 / Chapter 4.5.5 --- Effect of Volume on Sensor Performance --- p.51 / Chapter 4.5.6 --- Continuous Detection --- p.54 / Chapter 4.5.7 --- Operating Power Limit --- p.57 / Chapter 4.6 --- Response to Chlorine Gas by Modified Design --- p.59 / Chapter 4.7 --- Desorption Induced by UV Illumination --- p.60 / Chapter 4.8 --- Summary --- p.63 / Chapter 5 --- Conclusion --- p.64 / Chapter 5.1 --- Future Work --- p.65 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- Selectivity --- p.65 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Gaseous Chlorine Detection --- p.66 / Chapter 5.1.3 --- UV-LED Induced Desorption --- p.66 / Chapter 5.2 --- Concluding Remarks --- p.66 / Bibliography --- p.67

No description available.

Polarimetry, as applied to chemical analysis, deals with the determination of the extent and direction that an optically active chemical species will rotate incident linearly polarized light. Although well developed for physical sensing, the technique of fiber optic polarimetry for chemical sensing remains in its infancy. This thesis is concerned with the design and development of an optical fiber polarimeter which measures the optical rotation of linearly polarized light that occurs in a sensing region between two multi-mode optical fibers. Over short distances, the polarization preserving capabilities of large-core multi-mode optical fibers were investigated. Polarimetric analyses were performed using sucrose and quinine hydrochloride. The instrument has a resolution of 0.08·, and is an excellent platform for an LC or FIA detector. Its more intriguing future lies in evanescent field sensor applications and studies of chiroptical surface interactions. / Master of Science

The operating principles and design of an optical receiver for a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) remote sensing instrument are addressed. The performance and limitations of a biaxial monostatic LIDAR system utilizing this design are investigated. The complete optical and structural design of the receiver, including specifications of components are outlined. The thermal stabilization of the detector assembly and the integration of control electronics are described. A detailed discussion of alignment procedures and possible improvements are made. A sample observation is presented with suggestions for fully automating the system.

No description available.