Microplastic Contamination Studies using Raman and THz spectroscopy

Project description

Microplastics (MPs), identified as the biggest anthropogenically mediated threat to the biosphere as per recent UNEP report, is becoming a critical menace to sense and control to ensure the future of our food security, health, and ecosystems.

It is, therefore, essential to assess the degree and distribution of this contaminant systematically and objectively with high precision using non-contact, non-invasive spectroscopic and imaging techniques, such as, Raman and Terahertz or THz range in spectroscopy and imaging. We propose to employ these spectroscopic techniques initially on synthetic lab-grade microplastics of various types to establish the reference library and to understand the limit of detectability and suitability of using a certain spectroscopic technique towards targeting a specific MPs type.

This project will, therefore, include field work as well as laboratory experimental studies and data analyses for sensing MPs in water/soil etc. The project will use an in-house developed ULF Raman scheme as well as turn-key time-domain THz broadband CW-THz spectroscopy and imaging system at IIT Delhi. To explore the samples with higher CW THz power, THz-LFI system based on THz quantum cascade lasers will be used for high-speed imaging. Appropriate data analyses, including machine learning algorithm will be performed to interpret the obtained experimental results.

This programme will build on the very successful collaboration between the two groups at IIT Delhi and University of Queensland. The above project will utilize the unique combination of expertise and experimental facilities at two internationally leading research groups to develop an innovative technology targeting the applications of Raman and THz spectroscopy/imaging in the field of environmental science and management.

Furthermore, by leveraging the world-class expertise in developing optical instrumentations in Raman, time domain THz imaging systems and THz-QCLs at both UQ and IIT-D, we will progress towards developing a novel terahertz (THz) frequency range based diagnostic platform that will provide an objective and non-contact means of diagnostics of various types of MPs, such as, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene etc., that are critical in India, Australia and the rest of the world.

Environmentalists and policy makers who are tasked with the understanding of recent deterioration in our ecosystem brought upon by MPs will benefit by the findings of this proposed study. Additionally, the field of optical metrology will progress towards solving real-world issues by the implementation pathways developed using these fast, non-contact and sensitive spectroscopic techniques to study various types of MPs. There is potential for significant economic and societal impact through the translation of these technologies to industry, the licensing for manufacture by Indian and Australian industries, and through the creation and growth of THz and optical sensing companies.

Both IITD and UQ have a strong track record of industrial collaboration, protecting and licensing IP, and marketing of technologies. Rakic group at UQ is undeniably one of the premier research groups in laser-feedback interferometry worldwide, with a numerous research world-firsts in LFI sensors and a close working relationship with L3 Micreo Ltd, a subsidiary of L3 Technologies based in Queensland, Australia. The group also boasts the only dedicated THz QCL facility in Australia, which has been previously supported through ARC grants and the Advance Queensland Research Fellowship scheme. Overall, this AU$3.8M facility consists of 150 sq m of laboratory space dedicated to LFI sensor development spanning the visible, infrared and THz regions of the spectrum. UQ has also recently invested over AU$1M in a Mid-IR & THz scattering near field microscope (s-SNOM) which allows spectroscopy and imaging on the nanoscale. The IITD THz Imaging and Spectroscopy group is the only group in India, and possibly, in the world, which has in-house access to both Raman Spectroscopy (both Ultra Low Frequency or ULF Raman as well as conventional micro-Raman spectroscopy) as well as THz spectroscopic imaging with broadband THz system (upto 6 THz) and CW-THz spectroscopy system (as low as 10 MHz resolution) and an ultrafast optical pump-THz probe system with two different pump lasers (780 nm and readily available frequency doubled 390 nm) housed in 80 sq m of climate-controlled laboratory space.

Outcomes

This proposal will aim to investigate the possibility of application of Raman and THz based spectroscopic techniques to identify microplastics, a very contemporary issue of environmental pollution in both India and Australia. We will also generate impact through the creation of a vibrant inter-disciplinary research environment across UQ and IITD sites that will through UQIDAR attract and retain outstanding young researchers who will grow to be future academic and industrial leaders in India and Australia, and advocates in science and engineering.
PhD students associated with this programme will visit and work at partner sites for joint experiments, simulations and discussion, leading to the sharing of skills and the dissemination of scientific outcomes to aligned research programmes at these sites.

The proposed research will give rise to publications in leading scholarly journals in the fields of photonics and terahertz engineering including Optics Express, Applied Physics Letters, Spectrochimica Acta (part A) and IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology. We also anticipate communicating our research outcomes at premier international conferences in the field. Additionally, we will promote open access to our research findings, and plan to communicate research results both within and beyond the academic community.

Essential capabilities

Excellent knowledge of coding, Excellent written and verbal English Communication Skills, knowledge of basic optics and spectroscopy techniqiuesin

Desireable capabilities

Prior experience in Optical experiments and handling of photonics equipment and components

Expected qualifications (Course/Degrees etc.)

BEng (BTech), MSc (MEng, MS) or MTech in Physics, EE, Material Science or allied disciplines

Additional information for applicants

note: i-students must have own scholarship to apply (CSIR, UCG-NET, etc)