Research

From LAGWiki

The research interests of the Laser Analytics Group lie in the development and application of modern laser spectroscopic methods to visualise the physics and chemistry of complex processes in applications ranging from industrial process control to biomedical applications. On a very different scale we have succeeded in visualising chemical reactions inside single living cells, research that helps in the design and assessment of novel drugs.

The research is strongly collaborative in nature with a large number of partners both in industry and academia in the UK and abroad, spanning the whole range of disciplines embodied by modern chemical engineering. However, at the core of our activities three main themes can be identified:

[edit] Microscopy

Using microscopic techniques such as Foerster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) and dynamic imaging we can study chemistry and molecular transport directly within the living cell. A major effort is invested in the development of techniques for the study of protein-protein interactions, which are linked to disease, in particular to cancer, Parkinson's disease and Malaria. The techniques are also used for research into molecular assembly, protein conformational dynamics, and aggregation. We work in strong collaboration with leading biologists, chemical engineers and biotechnologists to shed light on the chemistry happening on a microscopic (and even nanoscopic!) scale.

[edit] Sensor Design

We develop novel laser sensors to study physics and chemistry of processes ranging from industrial process control to atmospheric monitoring and medical analytics. We exploit latest advances in photonic device technology such as supercontinuum fibre lasers and visible diode lasers to develop sensors that push sensitivity, speed and accuracy beyond the capabilities of current technology. Recently, we have focused on developing broadband detection schemes for gas and liquid phase sensing using supercontinuum sources. We do cross-disciplinary collaboration through the CamBridgeSens initiative, which is a new strategic initiative bridging sensor research activities across the University of Cambridge.

[edit] Reactive Flow Imaging

We have developed techniques to visualise reaction rates, temperature and chemical species concentration directly on timescales, which are quasi-instantaneous compared to prevailing flow time scales. This allows us, for example, to measure the influence of turbulent mixing on the speed of reactions inside a combustion engine and resulting effects on pollutant formation and engine efficiency. The processes we study are rigorously modelled and experimental data is used to validate and develop state-of-the-art CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulations.