Sensing Voltage Dynamics with Differential Intensity Surface Plasmon Resonance Systems

Project Summary

This project was directed at researching the engineering fundamentals of label-free detection of bio-electrical signals using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The project is based on the sensitivity of surface plasmons to the voltage at the metal-electrolyte interface. It aimed to estimate the limit of the voltage detection of SPR using theoretical and experimental approaches. Therefore, the physical properties of the interface were investigated using optics and electrochemical models. The theoretical results were then validated experimentally using a bespoke SPR system. The project also aimed to investigate the ability of the sensing technique to detect the dynamic bio-electrical signals at 1 KHz.