Multicorder
Introduction
The Multicorder Programme aims to show the potential of microelectronics technologies used today for computers and communications to diversify into sensing for broad spectrum imaging, diagnostics, chemical synthesis and biotechnology. Complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology is the mainstay of microelectronics, and has been hugely successful in delivering modern technologies from smartphones to the internet. As we reach the end of the Semiconductors Roadmap, researchers are now working on new ways to exploit electronics technologies.
In the Multicorder project we are developing novel arrays of sensor technology on CMOS platforms. Our research incorporates the design of optical and chemical sensors, microarchitectures, and post-processing of the CMOS chips in the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre of the University of Glasgow to add nanophotonics, microfluidics and packing technology. Collaborating with colleagues in Newcastle University, the School of Chemistry at Glasgow University and the Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, we are exploring modes of chemical and biochemical functionalisation on silicon, and working towards new silicon based assay technologies.
Research
We are designing new integrated circuits with unprecedented levels of solid-state sensor content. Our approach is leading to high-density arrays that facilitate some of the most sensitive ion sensor measurements ever made. These technologies have enabled us to study enzyme kinetics on silicon and the results have been published in IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems.
Our research into highly sensitive image sensors using single photon avalanche detectors has enables us to perform highly integrated fluorescence sensing with potential for creating new forms of cell sorting systems. We have also taken this taken this technology and built it into our continuing programme of research on novel pill-based diagnostic technologies to create the world’s first ever autofluouresence imaging video-pill. The work was published Scientific Reports.
We are now working on integrating surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technologies on to silicon for a range of applications including CMOS based surface enhance resonance spectroscopy. This work relies on our extensive experience of SPR based filter technologies.
Multicorder research is also incorporated into the MST group at Glasgow University’s other main project, Supercamera. Our integrated circuit engineering research has recently made it possible to demonstrate the world’s first ever nanophotonically enhanced terahertz CMOS imager.
People
Principal Investigator
Professor David Cumming, University of Glasgow
Co-Investigators
- Professor Calum McNeil, Newcastle University
- Professor Lee Cronin, University of Glasgow
- Professor Mike Barrett, University of Glasgow
- Dr Neil Keegan, Newcastle University
Researchers
- Dr Abdul Shakoor, University of Glasgow
- Dr Mohammed Al-Rawhani, University of Glasgow
- Dr Samadhn Patil, University of Glasgow
- Dr Christoph Busche (Royal Society of Edinburgh Research Fellow, University of Glasgow)
- Gordon Campbell, University of Glasgow
- Dr Carl Dale, Newcastle University
- Dr Alasdair MacDonald, University of Glasgow
- Julia Spoors, Newcastle University
- Dr Srinivas Velugotla, University of Glasgow
- Dr Chris Martin (Alumus, now a Patent Attorney)
PhD students
- Bence Nagy
- Boon Chong Cheah
- Cameron Gribble
- Christos Giagkoulovits
- Claudio Accarino
- Danni Hao
- Georgio Skotis
- Nadia Pinton
Project Partners
- Cambridge Life Sciences Ltd
- Life Technologies Limited
- Nanoink Inc.
- Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Hospitals Trust
- Procter and Gamble UK
- Selex-Galileo
- ST Microelectronics Ltd (UK)
- Texas Instruments Ltd
- XstalBio
News
Multicorder investigator Prof Calum Mcneil mentions the project in his interview from November 2013 issue of the Sensor100 newsletter and Video pill makes a splash, December 2015.