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Real-time imaging of chemical boundary layers at the microscale
We are developing a novel imaging technique for the label-free real-time tracking of chemical gradients, as they occur in most convection-reactions systems. Being able to observe the transport of a chemical species in 2D and real-time has a large potential in many fields, from catalysis, to energy storage, to in-vitro diagnostics
Keywords: label-free imaging, microfluidics, image analysis, interferometry, catalysis, energy storage, transport phenomena
Concentration gradients at the microscale are ubiquitous in natural and technological processes involving the transport of chemical species. They are intrinsically challenging to visualize due to the lack of optical contrast: as a result, most techniques to date use indirect tracking methods or labeling which intrinsically modify the system.
In this project, we are developing a novel label-free technology based on a microfluidic Fabry-Pérot cavity to track minute concentration gradients in 2D through a pixel-wise detection of refractive index shifts. We are currently building a second-generation optical system which is now ready to be calibrated and characterized. **We are interested in understanding and optimizing chemical transport for applications in catalysis and energy storage. This is a high-risk/high-reward project, which, if successful, will have a high-impact in fundamental as well as applied science.
Concentration gradients at the microscale are ubiquitous in natural and technological processes involving the transport of chemical species. They are intrinsically challenging to visualize due to the lack of optical contrast: as a result, most techniques to date use indirect tracking methods or labeling which intrinsically modify the system. In this project, we are developing a novel label-free technology based on a microfluidic Fabry-Pérot cavity to track minute concentration gradients in 2D through a pixel-wise detection of refractive index shifts. We are currently building a second-generation optical system which is now ready to be calibrated and characterized. **We are interested in understanding and optimizing chemical transport for applications in catalysis and energy storage. This is a high-risk/high-reward project, which, if successful, will have a high-impact in fundamental as well as applied science.
The main goal of this master’s thesis project will be to develop, take into operation, and characterize the optical set-up that we are currently developing. These will include the following tasks:
- Validate the optomechanical working principle of the technique
- Establish a resolution limit in terms of refractive index difference, i.e. concentration difference
- Establish a Phyton workflow for real-time image analysis
- Demonstrate the capabilities of the technique by visualizing the transport (diffusion vs convection) of well-defined chemical gradients created in a microfluidic system
- (Time permitting) Demonstrate the tracking of chemical gradients in particle-based catalytic process.
The experimental work will be conducted in the Laboratory of Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, where the experimental set-up is located.
**Requirements**
The student should be highly motivated to expand the knowledge in the fields of optical interference, Phyton-based image analysis, and microfluidics. He/She must have a background in at least one of the following disciplines: mechanical/electrical/chemical engineering, applied physics, material science. The student must be motivated, self-driven, hands-on, and keen to work in a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment. Geeks are welcome!
The main goal of this master’s thesis project will be to develop, take into operation, and characterize the optical set-up that we are currently developing. These will include the following tasks:
- Validate the optomechanical working principle of the technique
- Establish a resolution limit in terms of refractive index difference, i.e. concentration difference
- Establish a Phyton workflow for real-time image analysis
- Demonstrate the capabilities of the technique by visualizing the transport (diffusion vs convection) of well-defined chemical gradients created in a microfluidic system
- (Time permitting) Demonstrate the tracking of chemical gradients in particle-based catalytic process.
The experimental work will be conducted in the Laboratory of Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, where the experimental set-up is located.
**Requirements**
The student should be highly motivated to expand the knowledge in the fields of optical interference, Phyton-based image analysis, and microfluidics. He/She must have a background in at least one of the following disciplines: mechanical/electrical/chemical engineering, applied physics, material science. The student must be motivated, self-driven, hands-on, and keen to work in a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment. Geeks are welcome!
This project is a collaboration between the laboratories of Prof. Lucio Isa (D-MATL) and Prof. Dimos Poulikaos (D-MATV). The student will be exposed to an active, vibrant, and stimulating research environment, and will receive a constant mentoring during all phases of the project, from setting-up the system, through acquiring and analyzing the data, to writing the thesis. This project is only offered as a MSc thesis and is available to start as soon as possible upon agreement.
Please send an email to Dr. Federico Paratore (fparatore@ethz.ch) and Dr. David Taylor (dtaylor@ethz.ch).
This project is a collaboration between the laboratories of Prof. Lucio Isa (D-MATL) and Prof. Dimos Poulikaos (D-MATV). The student will be exposed to an active, vibrant, and stimulating research environment, and will receive a constant mentoring during all phases of the project, from setting-up the system, through acquiring and analyzing the data, to writing the thesis. This project is only offered as a MSc thesis and is available to start as soon as possible upon agreement.
Please send an email to Dr. Federico Paratore (fparatore@ethz.ch) and Dr. David Taylor (dtaylor@ethz.ch).