Doctoral Thesis: Chemical Sensing as a Utility using Swept-Source Raman Spectroscopy
26-214
By: Nili Persits
Supervisor: Rajeev J. Ram
Details
- Date: Tuesday, March 26
- Time: 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
- Category: Thesis Defense
- Location: 26-214
Additional Location Details:
Abstract: The dream of integrating chemical sensing into daily life has long persisted without realization. Despite numerous proposed sensor technologies, few meet the criteria of being non-destructive, reagent-free, versatile across applications, scalable, and cost-effective.
In my defense, I present the Swept Source-Raman Spectroscopy Network. This network features an innovative SSRS fiber-probe, enabling precise Raman spectrum measurement with minimal laser excitation and a single-point detector. Leveraging existing optical fiber infrastructure, a 16-sensor network is demonstrated, with scalability to deploy dozens of sensors over vast distances supported by an engineering-based cost model. Environmental water samples and therapeutic-producing cell cultures are monitored, showcasing the network’s efficacy and versatility for pollution mitigation and advanced manufacturing. Through adaptive spectral acquisition using linear regression models and prior knowledge, this sensor architecture competes favorably in both performance and cost with existing solutions, marking a significant advancement towards chemical sensing integration into daily life.