Prof. Michael Serpe, University of Alberta

Fun with Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Microgel-Based Etalons

Analytical Chemistry Seminar Series

Etalons are optical devices composed of two mirrors deposited on either side of a planar, dielectric material. Light entering the dielectric between the mirrors can constructively and destructively interfere, leading to specific wavelengths of light being reflected and transmitted. This affords a device with visual color. The group recently demonstrated that color tunable etalons can be constructed using thermoresponsive poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-based microgels as the dielectric layer. This presentation will describe our research efforts in this area with a focus on controlling the optical properties of the devices and how they can be used for sensing and biosensing applications.

Bio: Michael J. Serpe received his B.S. at the University of Central Florida in 2000. He received his Ph.D from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2004, working in the group of Professor Andrew Lyon. There he developed novel polymeric materials for applications in drug delivery, microoptic arrays, and photonics. After conducting research in industry, he joined the group of Professor Stephen Craig at Duke University in 2006. There he used single-molecule force spectroscopy to investigate reversible polymer bridging between surfaces. He joined the Department of Chemistry at the University of Alberta as an Assistant Professor in 2009. The Serpe Group is studying various aspects of colloid, polymer and surface science, with special interests in developing novel photonic materials from responsive polymers, water remediation, controlled drug delivery and polymer mediated surface-surface interactions.

For more information contact Prof. Andrew Lyon (404-894-4090).