Nanophotonics Lab.

The Nanophotonics Lab specialises in cutting-edge research on light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. With expertise and state-of-the-art facilities for surface plasmon studies, fiber optic sensing systems, and semiconductor and optical design simulations, the lab drives innovations in photonic technologies. These advancements empower applications in sensing, communication, and beyond, shaping the future of optical science.

Head of Laboratory

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Abang Annuar Ehsan

aaehsan@ukm.edu.my

PIC Laboratory

Ms. Hayati Hussin

hayatihussin@ukm.edu.my

EQUIPMENT / FACILITIES

BIONAVI SURFACE PLASMON RESONANCE (SPR Navi 200)

A powerful, label-free technique that uses light to study how molecules bind to each other in real-time on a sensor surface.
How It Works Light is shone onto a gold-coated sensor chip, creating an electron wave (a surface plasmon). At a specific “resonance angle,” the light is absorbed. When molecules bind to the chip’s surface, this angle shifts. The system precisely measures this shift to determine how much, how fast, and how strongly the molecules interact.
Key Features & Advantages:

- Label-Free: Studies molecules in their natural state without needing dyes or tags.
- Multi-Parametric SPR: Scans a full range of angles to capture a complete SPR curve, providing richer and more reliable data.
- Versatile: Works with a wide range of molecules in both liquid and gas phases.
Applications Used for drug discovery, kinetics analysis (on/off rates), studying protein interactions, and developing medical biosensors.

VERTICAL MICROFIBER FABRICATION TOWER

A custom-built system that produces ultra-thin optical microfibers by precisely heating and stretching a standard optical fiber.
How It Works Using the “flame brushing” technique, a controlled heat source moves along a vertically mounted optical fiber while motorized stages pull it apart. This process carefully narrows the fiber down to a uniform, sub-micron diameter waist.
Key Features & Advantages :
- Controlled Process: The vertical setup and motorized stages allow for a stable and repeatable tapering process.
- Sub-Micron Fabrication: Capable of producing microfibers with a waist diameter as small as 900 nanometers (nm).
- Customizable: The tapering profile and waist diameter can be adjusted for specific sensor designs.
Applications Fabricating highly sensitive optical sensors for biological and chemical detection, as well as for research in quantum and non-linear optics.

SIDE POLISHING OPTICAL FIBER

A fabrication system that removes the side cladding of an optical fiber to expose the light-guiding core, turning the fiber into an effective sensor platform.
How It Works An optical fiber is secured in a jig while a polishing tool carefully grinds away the cladding from one side. This exposes the fiber’s core, allowing the light’s evanescent field (a field that travels just outside the core) to interact with the external environment.
Key Features & Advantages
- Polishing Depth Control: The system manages how much cladding is removed, which is critical for sensor performance.
- Enables Evanescent Wave Sensing: The primary advantage, allowing the light inside the fiber to sense changes on the outside.
- Repeatable Fabrication: The custom jig ensures the process is consistent for creating multiple sensors.
Applications Creating platforms for biosensors (to detect DNA/proteins), chemical sensors (for liquids/gases), and high-sensitivity refractive index sensors.

DIGITAL VISCOMETER (Brookfield HADVE)

An instrument that measures the viscosity (thickness or resistance to flow) of medium-to-high viscosity fluids like gels, pastes, and adhesives.
How It Works The viscometer rotates a spindle in a fluid and measures the torque (rotational force) needed to overcome the fluid’s drag. Higher drag requires more torque, which corresponds to a higher viscosity. The result is calculated and shown on a digital screen.
Key Features & Advantages
- Ease of Use: Features a simple interface and direct digital display for straightforward operation.
- High Viscosity Range: Specifically designed for thick materials (typically 200 to 26,000,000 cP).
- Direct Readout: Instantly shows key data like viscosity, torque (%), speed, and spindle number.
Applications Used for quality control of paints, cosmetics, and adhesives, as well as characterizing food products (chocolate, sauces) and research on polymers.