Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication

Nanofabulous Seminar: Micro- and nanotopographies for biological applications
2023-02-07 11:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
Presenter: Dr Victor Cadarso
Zoom link: Click here
Meeting ID: 826 1534 5345
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Nanofabulous Seminar: Micro-nanofabrication and Microscopy with light noble ion beams
2023-01-17 11:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia

Nanofabulous Seminar: Reversible interfaces for stretchable and recyclable electronics
2022-11-18 11:00 - 12:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia

Net Zero in the Monash Precinct
2022-11-10 16:00 - 18:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia

Meeting for Advanced E-Beam Lithography (MAEBL) 2022
2022-07-29 14:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
Attention EBL Practitioners!! Registration is now open for MAEBL 2022 — the 6th international meeting for advanced electron beam lithography. This year’s program features a bonus virtual MAEBLx session for the Asia Pacific (July 29th) and with exciting talks from ANFF-VIC’s own Michael Stuiber and ANFF-Q’s Elliot Cheng and Ron Rash. See program for further details.
Register here.

Register today for the 2021 ANFF Showcase
2021-11-09 12:00 - 2021-11-10 17:00 UTC | Monash BioMedical Imaging
Registrations are now open for ANFF’s Annual Research Showcase.
The event is a platform for engineers, researchers, and anyone working in R&D to hear about cutting-edge research enabled by nanofabrication.
You’ll engage with the hundreds of companies and research groups that form Australia’s nanofab community.
The Showcase will be held 9-10 November 2021 in a hybrid format, with talks being presented online and during in-person screenings in several states.
In-person screenings provide attendees with catering, networking opportunities, and activities or tours.
We hope to see you there, click here to view the flyer and program, or here to register.

Research Commercialisation Seminar: David Collard, SaniteX Global
2021-08-30 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | VIC
MCN Users—
As a vibrant and collaborative research centre, we know that the MCN is always playing host to the development of a range of new technologies from proof of concept demonstrations to more mature products/devices. We also know that the significant challenge of research translation leaves many promising technological solutions sitting on the shelf. In order to help shed some light on this nebulous and daunting process, MCN will be hosting a talk by SaniteX Global, a US based hybrid commercialisation fund aimed at assisting researchers with scaling technologies and bringing them to market.

If you’re interested in hearing more, Sanitex founder David Collard will be delivering a talk via zoom on 30th August, 10-11am, concerning their unique Scale Facilitation model. Event registration required (see link above).

MCN Seminar Series featuring Prof Kevin Plaxco (UCSB)
2021-04-01 11:00 - 12:00 UTC | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
Prof Kevin Plaxco from the University of California Santa Barbara, will be presenting a seminar and webinar on the fabrication of biosensors titled, “Counting molecules, dodging blood cells: continuous, real-time molecular measurements directly in the living body”
Abstract:
The availability of technologies capable of tracking the levels of drugs, metabolites, and biomarkers in real time in the living body would revolutionize our understanding of health and our ability to detect and treat disease. Imagine, for example, a dosing regime that, rather than relying on your watch (“take two pills twice a day”), is instead guided by second-to-second measurements of plasma drug levels wirelessly communicated to your smartphone. Such a technology would likewise provide researchers and clinicians an unprecedented window into neurology and physiology, and could even support ultra-high-precision personalized medicine in which drug dosing is optimized minute-by-minute using closed-loop feedback control. Towards this goal, we have developed a biomimetic, electrochemical sensing platform that supports the high frequency, real-time measurement of specific molecules (irrespective of their chemical reactivity) in situ in the blood and tissues of awake, freely moving subjects.
Short Bio:
Kevin Plaxco is a Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Associate Director, Center for Bioengineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Prior to joining the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1998 Dr. Plaxco received his Ph. D. from Caltech and performed postdoctoral studies at Oxford and the University of Washington. Dr. Plaxco has co-authored more than 180 papers on protein folding, protein dynamics, folding-based biosensors and folding-based smart materials. He has also co-authored a popular science book on Astrobiology and more than a dozen patents. He is actively involved in the commercialization of the novel technologies emerging from his laboratory and serves on the scientific advisory boards of a half dozen companies.
Program Flyer
Download here.
Zoom Details:
Meeting ID: 520 478 1186
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Latest advances in SEM and FIB - Webinar by Thermofisher (formerly FEI)
2020-05-06 09:00 - 11:00 UTC | Webex (online seminar)
ThermoFisher’s SEM and Dual Beam technology continues to advance the capability of imaging and microanalysis, both in 2D and 3D.
Join us to discuss some of the latest developments in the SEM and FIB/SEM area, and see how these features put unrivalled performance at the hands of every user.
To join this Webinar click on the link below (Installation of Webex may be required):
Join meeting in my Webex Personal Room
Meeting number (access code): 298 625 817
Join by phone
Tap to call in from a mobile device (attendees only)
+1-408-758-9898 United States Toll
1-888-579-0888 United States Toll Free
Access code: 298 625 817
Global call-in numbers | Toll-free calling restrictions
Join from a video conferencing system or application
Dial ryan.shaw1@thermofisher.webex.com
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.
Need help? Go to http://help.webex.com

ANFF Seminars: CFD simulation and modelling
2020-03-19 14:30 - 15:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
ANFF SA’s simulation expert, Dr Moein Kashani will be presenting a seminar and webinar on simulation techniques for modelling fluid dynamics on 19 March 2020.
The talk will focus on Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation (CFD), a concept that can be applied to all transfer phenomena, including: fluid flow in microfluidics, microfluidic mixing, heat and mass transfer, molecular diffusion, cell separation, purification, multi-phase flow and electrical behaviour in semiconductors.
Follow online, or attend the seminar at the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication to learn about the benefits that simulation can bring to your process flows.
Tickets for physical attendance are limited, but the event will also be broadcast online for those that can’t be here in person.
Click here for more information.

Atomic Force Microscopy Workshop - Anton Paar Tosca 400
2020-03-05 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
Are you looking to add a new skill to your toolbox? Or just want to learn more about AFM? If so, please join us for this educational workshop to gain first-hand knowledge on the Tosca 400 Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). On Thursday, March 5th 2020 at 10AM, the MCN will be hosting Keyvan Ghanaviztchi, Product Manager at Anton Paar
Program Highlights

Theoretical basis for Atomic Force Microscopy
Important considerations for AFM instruments
Applications for AFM measurements
Hands-on measurements with model samples
Presented by Keyvan Ghanaviztchi, Product Manager
for Nano Surface Properties at Anton Paar GmbH By the end of the workshop, you will be running measurements on the Tosca 400 AFM!

See flyer for further details.

The Latest Advances in Biological Atomic Force Microscopy
2020-02-19 10:00 - 23:00 UTC | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
Join us at the MCN, Wed Feb 19th at 10AM for a seminar from Florian Kumpfe (Senior Application Scientist – JPK, Berlin) highlighting the latest in biological AFM capability from the JPK Nanowizard platform.
No registration required. More details in the flyer here.

ANFF-VIC Nanofabulous Winter Workshop 2019
2019-08-19 08:30 - 2019-08-20 17:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
ANFF-VIC is hosting a Winter Workshop, featuring two days of technical talks and practicals aimed at researchers that are new to nanofab or the ANFF network.
Hear from experts and ANFF-VIC users as they discuss the open-access nanofabrication capabilities made available by ANFF-VIC.

Each day, the mornings will be filled with ANFF-VIC hub-focused talks, presenting 7 locations’ flagship capabilities, example case studies and technical process talks.
The afternoons comprise in-lab practicals, demonstrations, and tours of local facilities.

Insight into the specialist micro and nanofabrication capabilities available within ANFF-VIC
Hands-on practicals of capabilities
Tours of local research infrastructure

Please indicate when purchasing your tickets which afternoon sessions you would like to attend. Tickets for the afternoon practical sessions are limited. Tour times may conflict with practical sessions and each other, and we may contact you to arrange alternative times for tours as required.

Registration fee is $100, however, the full registration fee can be redeemed as usage credits at any ANFF-VIC location (upon completion of the workshop).

View the program flyer here.

J.A. Woollam Complete Ease Data Analysis Short Course
2019-05-07 08:30 - 2019-05-09 17:00 UTC | VIC
A 3 day J.A. Woollam Complete Ease Data Analysis Short Course will be given in Melbourne at the Swinburne University of Technology on May 7-9 2019.
The short course will introduce the fundamentals of data analysis at a beginner-to-intermediate level. All details will be described using the latest CompleteEASE software. This version of software will be provided to all attendees before the start of the course. This course is not intended for users that work with other Woollam software packages, such as WVASE. Participants will need to bring their own laptops.
Please register your interest with Peter Barras from Scientific Solutions Australia (peter@alpe.net.au).
Please contact Karyn Jarvis (kljarvis@swin.edu.au) for any venue related queries.

Nanobiosensors for Food, Health and Environmental Monitoring: Affordable Diagnostics
2019-03-05 10:00 - 11:00 UTC | VIC
MCN is delighted to welcome Professor M.S. Thakur to speak on the applications of biosensors in a range of sectors including food and health.
Professor M.S. Thakur has made a significant contribution to the field of biotechnology through his biosensor research conducted in India over the past 35 years. He has published more than 200 research papers along with 15 patents and transferred several technologies to industry. He is now visiting professor at Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Bangalore.
View Prof. M.S. Thakur’s abstract here
Register on Eventbrite here

3D Vibration Measurement for MEMS & Microsystems
2019-01-21 11:00 - 12:00 UTC | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
MCN will be hosting Dr Jochen Schell of Polytec GmbH for a short seminar on the latest in 3D vibrometry measurements for MEMS and microsystems.
The seminar will take place in the MCN boardroom Jan 21st at 11am. Dr Schell is the Dept. Head of Polytec’s applications division. He obtained his PhD in Nonlinear Optics from Université Louis Pasteur in Strasbourg, France in 2000 and has since spent the last 15+ years working with Doppler vibrometry across a broad range of scientific disciplines.
Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to bring your research questions to a world expert!

Thinking BIG with Nano
2018-11-21 08:30 - 2018-11-22 17:00 UTC | RMIT’s University Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Working on nanotechnology and seeking to make a big impact with your ideas? This event is for you!
The Australian Nanotechnology Network and the Australian National Fabrication Facility in partnership with RMIT University present ‘Thinking BIG with Nano’. This workshop tailored for early-career researchers and late-stage PhD candidates will showcase research translation in nanotechnology and provide facilitated training in taking ideas from concepts to a viable business.
Register on Eventbrite
Click here to view the flyer

Introduction to ANFF-WA
2018-11-14 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
This talk will briefly introduce capabilities of the Australian National Fabrication Facility- Western Australia node (ANFF-WA), which incorporates the Microelectronics Research Group (MRG) at the University of Western Australia. The talk will cover areas of expertise, facilities and recent research outcomes in the Microelectronics Research Group, to help researchers understand the fabrication capabilities and research activities at the ANFF-WA node.
Key topics:

Research facilities at ANFF-WA, including fabrication, characterisation and simulation tools
Recent research outcomes at ANFF-WA
Work on porous silicon at ANFF-WA

Bio: Dr. Xiao Sun received his Ph.D. degree at The University of Western Australia (UWA) in 2016. He is currently working as a research associate at the Microelectronics Research Group, UWA, his project is thermal sensing based on porous silicon. He is also working as a staff at the ANFF-WA node, his responsibilities include: new user training, ACLS booking system and facilities maintenance.
Thanks to the Australian Nanotechnology Network (ANN), there is a travel grant available that would assist some researchers in visiting the ANFF-WA node. Click here for more details.

ICYRAM2018
2018-11-05 09:00 - 2018-11-07 17:00 UTC | VIC
ICYRAM2018 promises to showcase the scientific excellence in advanced materials from around the world, and respect the contributions of the global young researcher’s irrespective of gender, race, culture, or other descriptor.
The conference will provide an open exchange of ideas and robust scientific debate across all manner of materials related topics. The committee endeavours to achieve balance through equal female and male representation on the organising committees and as session chairs as well as through invitations to high quality speakers of both sexes in line with the gender balance in the research community.
For further information, please follow this link.

Multi-Technique analysis with the Thermo Scientific Nexsa XPS spectrometer
2018-11-02 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | G30–New Horizons Building, 20 Research Way, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
Presenter
Dr Richard White, Sales and Marketing Director, Nano-scale Material Analysis, Thermo Fisher Scientific
Abstract
Advanced materials present ever increasing challenges to the analytical scientist. Composite materials built from nanostructures or ultra-thin films, often with complex chemistries present, are now required in a broad range of applications, and achieving full characterization is rarely managed using only one analysis method. To maintain confidence in the results from the utilization of several different methods, it is advantageous to be able to perform experiments on the same platform. Ideally, this should be without having to move the sample between several instruments, removing the need for additional registration or processing to ensure that the data is being collected from the same position.
For surface analysis, it has been common for many years to incorporate related analysis techniques onto the same instrument. For example, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) systems are commonly equipped with UV light sources to facilitate investigation of additional properties of materials via ultra-violet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). The ion source that is typically used for sample cleaning and depth profiling can also be used for low energy ion scattering (LEIS or ISS), providing more surface sensitive elemental composition information than can be delivered from XPS alone.
In this presentation we will discuss the strengths of this combined, in-situ approach to surface analysis, illustrated with examples from a range of applications including carbon nanomaterials, microelectronics and battery materials.

Nanoscale light control for sensor applications and photonics
2018-10-26 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
Eureka Prize winner and ANFF-VIC Tech Ambassador, Prof Saulius Juodkazis will be speaking at MCN on 26 October 2018.
Saulius, from the Centre for Micro-Photonics, Swinburne University of Technology will discuss his exciting research into sensors and their fabrication.
View the flyer here

Abstract: Future light-based technologies will have strong presence in high precision nano-/micro- fabrication and sensors. For light-matter interactions occurring on atomic and molecular level we still need to develop better tools to control light at nanoscale via nano-fabrication and manipulation of nano- objects. In this talk our recent advances in high precision nanofabrication using 3D approaches and combining standard cleanroom tools with laser direct writing capabilities will be presented.
Combination of electron beam lithography (EBL) with post-processing of nanoparticels with Ga-ion milling opens a possibility of sub-20 nm direct write of nano-inscriptions on nanoparticles. Arrays of identical nanoparticles were fabricated with high delity and with uniform nano-features. This approach was
key to make chiral plasmonic nanoparticles which show strong optical dichroism and can be used for optically driven motors and nano-tweezers. Controlled resizing of ion-milled nanopores over the range of sizes from 100 nm to several nanometers in nano-membranes is achieved using electron beam scanning.
Surface charging which is a common problem in applications of ion milling and electron imaging is resolved with co-illumination of deep UV light whose photons have energy larger than the electron
work function for a given material. EBL and IBL can be both optimized for a high throughput for simple sample geometries. 3D laser fabrication of micro-optical elements and nano-textured surfaces adds new applications in lab-on-chip and sensing.
If you would be interested in a tour of the MCN following the event please contact Tom Eddershaw

Tech ops talk – Bose-Einstein condensation of exciton-polaritons in 2D materials
2018-09-25 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
During MCN’s weekly Tech Ops meeting, FLEET researcher Tinghe Yun will discuss the in-kind project being conducted by ANFF-VIC Technology Ambassador (TA), Prof Qialiang Bao.
Abstract: The project is aiming at the excitonic dissipationless system, towards the room temperature superfluidity. Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC), which is the physical phenomena of bosonic particle coherence, is regarded as the typical superfluidy. Exciton-polaritons, the result of strong coupling between photon and exciton, is a kind of bosonic quasiparticles, and the BEC of these particles in DBR cavities is yet to be discovered.
Background: ANFF-VIC TAs use their considerable expertise to create new processes that benefit the ANFF-VIC user community and undergo in-kind cooperative activities reflecting the current and emerging needs of researchers in their respective fields.
Tinghe’s talk, entitled “Bose-Einstein condensation of exciton-polaritons in 2D materials”, will cover the broader scope of this project, as well as how it will benefit the ANFF-VIC user community.

Nanoporous metal membranes: en route from single pores to large-scale pore arrays
2018-08-31 10:30 - 11:30 UTC | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
This talk will present recent work performed on the design of single pore metal membranes for single molecule translocation detection and the development of alloys for processing large arrays of isoporous metal membranes.
The potential of the nanoporous metal materials to act as membrane catalytic reactors will be reviewed and presented.
Relevant paper: Metal alloy solid-state nanopores for single nanoparticle detection
Separately, Lingxue will introduce nanofibre capabilities at Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials.

Register on Eventbrite.

General sketch of nanoparticle detection through a single nanopore.

Soft Plasmene Nanosheets: From Design to Applications
2018-08-10 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
Prof. Wenlong Cheng (ANFF-VIC Tech Ambassador & Department of Chemical Engineering, Monash University)

As part of the ANFF-VIC Technology Ambassador series, MCN will host Professor Wenlong Cheng as he discusses his research into the production of soft, elastic, two-dimensional plasmonic nanoparticle superlattice sheets (soft plasmene sheets) by self- assembly of polystyrene-capped metal nanoparticles. View the full abstract here.

Engineering light-matter interactions at the nanoscale
2018-07-27 13:00 - 14:00 UTC | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
MCN is delighted to welcome ANFF-VIC Tech Ambassador, Prof Ken Crozier and members of his team to discuss recent investigations into light-matter interactions.
Ken will be joined by Benjamin Craig, Vivek Raj Shrestha, Ming Ye, and Jasper Cadusch as they delve into four of the team’s projects.
Abstract:
We provide glimpses into four research projects of the Crozier Group, whose common theme is engineering light-matter interactions at the nanoscale.
In the first, we demonstrate mid-infrared plasmonic filters. We experimentally determine the spectrum of a mid-infrared light source using an algorithm whose inputs are the total power transmitted by each filter and the transmission spectrum of each filter.
In the second, we demonstrate a graphene-metal metasurface for unpolarized long wavelength infrared light with electrically-tunable reflectance. By applying a gate voltage, we shift the wavelength of a resonant reflectance dip centered at ~9.4 micron by~156 nm.
In the third, we propose a hybrid metal/dielectric metasurface that functions as a mid-infrared magnetic mirror. It consists amorphous silicon cuboids on gold. The physical mechanism is explained by image theory. Measured reflection spectra agree with simulations.
In the fourth, we experimentally demonstrate a microspectrometer comprising twenty silicon photodetector pixels,whose responsivities are engineered via nanostructured fishnet patterns. We computationally reconstruct the spectrum of light that illuminates the chip from the measured pixel photocurrents.
Register on Eventbrite

Nanofabulous Winter Workshop 2018
2018-07-23 08:30 - 2018-07-25 17:45 UTC | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
The Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication (MCN) is holding an industry-focused technical workshop.
The event includes three full days of seminars and practical sessions held at MCN, the headquarters of the Australian National Fabrication Facility’s Victorian Node (ANFF-Vic) and the largest open-access cleanroom facility in the Southern Hemisphere.
We have now finalised the schedule for next weeks event, please view this attachment to find out more.
The document also contains last minute information that will make it a little easier to find us.
View the information here

Nanofabrication and devices for coherent x-ray applications
2018-07-13 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
Dr Grant Van Riessen and PhD student Alaleh Aminzadeh – both from the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) – are coming to MCN to provide insight on their recent research into x-ray applications.
Grant is an ANFF-VIC Technology Ambassador and will be discussing some of the emerging opportunities that are arising for both characterisation and fabrication enabled by his group’s recent work using ANFF-VIC facilities.
View the abstract here
Click here to register on Eventbrite

Presenting the ANFF-VIC Publication of the Year
2018-05-04 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
The MCN is delighted to welcome both Dr Daniel Langley and Dr Brian Abbey to discuss their award-winning research. Daniel and Brian are members of the team that won the ANFF-VIC Publication of the Year and will present their work at MCN on Friday 4 May.
View the full abstract here.
The team – which also included Eugeniu Balaur, Yongsop Hwang, and Catherine Sadatnajafi – was investigating a non-destructive way to analyse chemicals using visible light.
The research demonstrates a device that can determine the concentration of a specific chemical by creating an ‘optical barcode’ that can be compared to a library of known concentrations.
The research team’s paper Optical Chemical Barcoding Based on Polarization Controlled Plasmonic Nanopixels was selected as the winner of the competition by ANFF VIC’s selection panel due to its impact, pioneering nature and level of engagement with MCN. Read more about the competition here.
Please join the MCN staff to hear more about this fascinating research and to congratulate the team on their award.
Register on Eventbrite

From Wearables to THINKables with IBM's Dr Stefan Harrer
2018-03-01 10:30 - 11:30 UTC | MCN Board Room, 151 Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
MCN is hosting a seminar with Dr Stefan Harrer, Manager of Brain-Inspired Computing Research and IBM Master Inventor at IBM Research. He will be discussing a neuromorphic processor released by IBM and highlighting the importance of nanotechnology in its development.
Abstract:
Wearables will be transformed into THINKables offering continuous, cognitive, real-time analytics of measured biometric and biological data at the point of sensing. Thereby ultra-low power neuromorphic platforms – such as IBM’s recently introduced TrueNorth chip – could play a key role in connecting on-body nanobiosensors directly with deep-learning technology for instant analytics, prediction and interfacing with artificial intelligence systems.
Biography:
In 2015 Stefan co-founded the Brain-Inspired Computing Research program of IBM Research – Australia and now leads it as Manager and Research Staff Member. His team spearheads an effort to employ IBM’s brain-inspired TrueNorth chip to develop artificial intelligence-enabled biomedical and healthcare solutions at the intersection of neuroscience and neuromorphic computing.
Stefan has authored and co-authored 40 technical publications, is an inventor on 26 issued patents and has more than 20 patents pending. His work has been featured in WIREDMagazine, Popular Science, Scientific American, TechTimes, Engadget and Fast Company amongst others. He holds a PhD in EECS from the Technical University Munich and an Honours Masters Certificate in Technology Management from the Center for Digital Technology and Management.

Research Seminar - Dr Emory Chen (Molecular Foundry)
2018-02-09 11:00 - 12:00 UTC | G29-New Horizons Building (#82), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia
High-throughput design of doped colloidal nanocrystals
Where: G29 – New Horizons Building (#82) Monash University
Colloidal inorganic nanocrystals exhibit precise morphologies and tunable properties, making them essential components for nanophotonic devices and biological imaging. Our research explores the reaction networks that govern the controlled synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles, and we investigate the photophysical networks that govern the optical properties of upconverting nanoparticles. To develop a holistic understanding of these intricate networks, we use combinatorial and high-throughput robotic techniques to map the dynamics of these networks across material compositions and reaction conditions. Using these methods, we manipulate the energy transfer pathways of lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles, which combine near-infrared photons into visible light. Combinatorial screening and theoretical modeling reveal lanthanide dopant compositions that enable imaging of single upconverting nanoparticles comparable in size to fluorescent proteins and reveal nanoparticle compositions that enable excitation at the optimal wavelengths for imaging through tissue. Finally, we demonstrate that these nanoparticles can be used to fabricate microscale, upconverted lasers for biological sensing and stimulation.
Dr. Emory Chan is a Staff Scientist at the Molecular Foundry, a U. S. Department of Energy nanoscience user facility at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Dr. Chan’s research interests include the combinatorial and high-throughput synthesis of semiconductor nanocrystals and lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles. He received a B.S. in Chemistry from Stanford University. Dr. Chan performed his doctoral research on with Prof. Paul Alivisatos and Prof. Richard Mathies in the Chemistry department at the University of California at Berkeley. Prior to his appointment as Staff Scientist at the Molecular Foundry, Dr. Chan was a postdoc with Dr. Delia Milliron and later served on the technical staff at the Foundry.
