Our research

Active molecular plasmonics

Active molecular plasmonics involves the manipulation of light at the nanoscale using nanomaterials with tunable plasmonic properties. Interfacing organic molecular systems to active plasmonic nanomaterials enables nanophotonic device designs capable of enhanced molecule detection or enhanced absorption in the weak or strong coupling regium. We study molecular-plasmon processess using laser based spectroscopy/microscopy along with simulation methods. Such technology enabling better molecular analyte devices.

Furthur information

Photoinduced Enhanced Raman from Lithium Niobate on Insulator Template. RM Al-Shammari, MA Baghban, N Al-attar, A Gowen, K Gallo, JH Rice, B.J. Rodriquez. ACS applied materials & interfaces 10 (36), 30871-30878, 2018  

Single-Molecule Nonresonant Wide-Field Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering from Ferroelectrically Defined Au Nanoparticle Microarrays. RM Al-Shammari, N Al-attar, M Manzo, K Gallo, BJ Rodriguez, JH Rice. ACS Omega 3 (3), 3165-3172, 2018

S Fedele, M Hakami, A Murphy, R Pollard, J Rice. Strong coupling in molecular exciton-plasmon Au nanorod array systems. Applied Physics Letters 108, 053102, 2016.

Organic nanomaterials

We are interested in creating hybred materials consisting of bio and fuctional materials to create novel materials for photonics. Using organic materials provides bio-compatable potential. We look to examine the properties of organic materials for platforms for optical spectroscopy.

Additional information

H.V. Reddy, R.M. Al-Shammaria, N. Al-Attara, E. Kennedy, L. Rogers, S Lopezc,T.E. Keyes, M.O. Senge, J.H. Rice. n-phenylporphyrin micro or nanorod and nanosphere structures. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys.,16, 4386-4393, 2014.

Photo-induced surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy from a diphenylalanine peptide nanotube-metal nanoparticle template. S Almohammed, F Zhang, BJ Rodriguez, JH Rice. Scientific reports 8 (1), 3880, 2018

Aligned diphenylalanine nanotube–silver nanoparticle templates for high sensitivity surface enhanced Raman scattering. S Almohammed, S Fedele, BJ Rodriguez, JH Rice. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy 48 (12), 1799-1807, 2017

Single nanostructure photonics

Single nanostructure photonics enable optical processes such as single photon and single optical transitions to be accessed in semiconductor and organic nanostructures. We apply nano-optics to examine optical processes at the single nanostructure level. This work aims to advance optical communication methods and also in ultrasenstive nanosensor development.

Additional information

N. Al-Alttar et al. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectra of radial breathing modes and G+/- bands in functionalised nanotubes. Chem. Phys. Lett., 568–569, 95–100, 2013

N. Al-Attar, E. Kennedy, G. Kelly, J.H. Rice. Photoluminescence blinking from single CdSeS/ZnS quantum dots in a conducting polymer matrix. J. Phys. Chem. C. 2015

Applied research

Optical device development

We apply our technologies to develop customised optical imaging and spectroscopy. We also work with company partners in order to develop new optical technology. Companies we are working with include Agilent Technologies and Picoquant.

Development of technology in health science

We are presently working on solutions applicable to health which involves a mix of pure academic science and applied research to advance fundermental understanding and to provide technology solutions in this area such as in the area of stem cell sorting or in cancer diagnostics.

Nanomateral device devlopment

We are presently working with engineers and companies in order to advance engineering solutions. We are funded from both companies and from technology agencies such as the European Space Agency (ESA).

Collaborations

T.E. Keyes, R.J. Forster School Chem, Dublin City University (engineered nanomaterials)

E. Gazit Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University (organic nanomaterials)

J. Simpson School Biology, University College Dublin (cellular biophysics)

M. Al-Rubeai Chem Biochem Eng, University College Dublin (cellular biophysics)

B.J. Rodriquez Conway Insit, University College Dublin (engineered nanomaterials)

R. Pollard, R Dawson Depart Phys, Queen’s Uni Belfast (engineered nanomaterials)

M. Senge Dept Chem, Trinty College Dublin (organic nanomaterials)