Integrated silicon photonics is enabling many new applications. A silicon ring-resonator ultrasound sensor is being developed in the Department of Imaging Physics (ImPhys). This sensor comprises a ring resonator (RR) located on a thin membrane and combines an optical and a mechanical resonator.

This sensor has many potential applications, for example intra-vascular photoacoustic imaging. Moreover, it can work as a static pressure sensor, which can be used to monitor the blood pressure in patients during surgery.

The sensor is now being optimized and further characterized, aiming for real applications. In this project, you will work on (a selection of) these topics:

  • Photonic measurements of the sensors
  • Rapid packaging of the photonic chip
  • Development of a measurement method in water using acoustic pulse
  • Comparison of the RR based sensor and MZI based sensor for static pressure measurement

  

Schematic of the ring resonator ultrasound sensor (left) and a microscope image of a fabricated sensor (right).

For more information, you can contact dr. Jaap Caro, (room F265) or Boling Ouyang, MSc., (room C206).

In this project we collaborate with TNO and an industrial partner. Are you interested in a multi-disciplinary project, develop new sensors and get your hands “dirty”” in experiments and theory? Contact us!

Other ImPhys student projects can be found here.