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Research

Optical Bio Sensors

Ian is investigating the use optical semiconductor devices (Lasers, LEDs and Photo detectors) to analyse biological samples. Techniques he is interested in include fluorescence, absorption and interference spectroscopy.
The use of semiconductor devices to perform these analysis techniques offers the potential to greatly reduce the size and complexity of many current “bench top” systems used and allow “lab-on-a-chip” systems to be realized.
Lab-on-a-chip systems offer the potential to achieve compact, portable and cost effective systems that can be used for rapid diagnostics at the point of care, even in potentially remote or hazardous locations.

Novel Semiconductor Materials and Devices

Ian has an active interest in developing novel semiconductor materials which can be utilized in a variety of optical devices. He has worked on quantum well and quantum dot based devices for a range of applications including; telecommunications, security, defence, medical and astronomical observations.

Ian has extensive experience and expertise in designing and characterizing optoelectronic devices and has worked with a range of novel materials including; dilute nitrogen and bismuth containing alloys, antimony based alloys for photodetectors and nanowires.

Research grants

Landing Advances for a New Decade (LANDOne)

INNOVATE UK (UK)

April 2022 - March 2026

Enhanced Type 2 superlattice photodiodes for improved infrared sensing

DEFENCE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY (UK)

August 2023 - May 2024

Development of an Autonomous Robotic cow Cubicle bedding unit (AG ARC)

INNOVATE UK (UK)

March 2023 - February 2027

Robust and Durable InAs Avalanche Photodiodes for Infrared Detection

DEFENCE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY (UK)

September 2018 - November 2019

EPSRC Core Equipment Award 2020

ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

November 2020 - April 2022

CMT Passivation

LEONARDO UK LIMITED (UK)

October 2021 - June 2023

Quantitative Detection of Trace Biomarkers using Graphene-integrated Tunable Metamaterials based Attenuated Total Reflection Terahertz Spectroscopy

ROYAL SOCIETY (CHARITABLE)

March 2019 - March 2022

Dielectrophoresis Control of InAs based Nanowires for bio sensing

ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

October 2017 - March 2019

Portable and low-cost Mass Based Sensing of Hydrocarbons

ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL

February 2018 - September 2018