Center for Molecular Spectroscopy and Dynamics

Seminar

1. SPEAKER

    Prof. Wonjhang Park (University of Colorado)

2. TITLE 

    Plasmon Modulated Luminescence Upconversion for Biomedical Applications

3. ABSTRACT 

   Surface plasmons offer a highly effective mechanism for strong light localization and local field enhancement. One of the latest emerging frontiers in plasmonics is the study of plasmonic enhancement of nonlinear optical processes. Among them, luminescence upconversion has attracted much interest. In contrast to the nonlinear susceptibility based frequency conversion processes, luminescence upconversion is efficient even when excited by incoherent light with low intensity. This prompted much interest in potential applications in areas such as solar energy conversion and bioimaging where traditional nonlinear optics have not been used. 

In this talk, I will start with an introduction to surface plasmon and frequency upconversion processes and then present the electrodynamic principles governing the luminescence upconversion process in nanophotonic environment. I will then present our spectroscopic studies on the photonically enhanced luminescence upconversion, which identified the enhancement mechanisms and factors for all processes involved in the luminescence upconversion. Finally, I will discuss applications of plasmon enhanced luminescence upconversion for biosensing and cancer therapeutics. Our plasmon-upconversion nanoclusters allows for high sensitivity detection of cancer cells via upconversion luminescence. Upon detection, the cells are immediately treated by photothermal, photodynamic or optoporation therapies. Also, a similar structure can be used for novel biosensor of mechanical forces in biological tissues. Our study demonstrates that high sensitivity fluorescence detection and imaging, cellular level targeting of cancer cells and highly selective therapy are possible.

4. DATE AND VENUE

    May 24, 2023 (Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.) Seminar Room A 116

5. LANGUAGE

    English

6. INVITED BY

    Associate Director Wonshik Choi