A thin elastomeric membrane can be used as a very sensitive instrument for detecting the adsorption of protein molecules by measuring its resonant frequency in response to acoustic actuation.
The UBC Structured Surface Physics Group is currently engaged in many different areas of research; some of the larger and more interesting projects are listed below:
Resonant Frequency Sensor to Detect Protein Adsorption
A thin elastomeric membrane immersed in an aqueous solution can be acoustically actuated and the resulting vibration can be detected with a non-contact probe. The resonant frequency of the vibrating membrane depends on its tension, and the tension changes in response to the adsorption of only a small number of protein molecules, substantially less than a monolayer. We have shown that this device is extremely sensitive to not only the adsorption of the protein but also, we believe, the unfolding of the protein molecules on the surface over time. [details...]
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A thin elastomeric membrane can be used as a very sensitive instrument for detecting the adsorption of protein molecules by measuring its resonant frequency in response to acoustic actuation. |
Large Scale Photometric Capabilities
The Structured Surface Physics Laboratory at UBC is one of only a handful of laboratories in the world that has the large scale photometric capabilities. Specifically, we are able to very accurately characterize the performance of large illuminating structures and light guides. This is important to use in a number of aspects of our work, most notably in the light pipe and solar lighting research. We have recently designed and constructed a baffle-less integrating sphere, the first of its kind in the world. [details...]
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| Baffle-less integrating sphere developed at UBC |
Light Pipes have been intensively studied and fabricated in the SSP lab, and we boast quite a few patented technologies in both their design and manufacture in many countries around the world. Light pipes based on UBC technology are currently manufactured by the UBC spin-off company TIR Systems Ltd. and 3M Company.
A light pipe, specifically the Prism Light Guide, is essentially as its name implies; a hollow tube with prisms lining the interior walls which guides light from one point to another. The pipe's walls can be made either opaque, which transports the light essentially unattenuated from a source to an area which requires light, or transparent, which acts as a light fixture.
One of the exciting aspects of this technology is that, provided that there is access to the exterior of the building, the interior of a building can be lighted using only natural light. We currently have an active research program in developing a cost-effective approach for illuminating buildings with sunlight.
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| Strawberry Mansion Bridge, Philadelphia, PA (Prism Light Guides designed, fabricated and installed by TIR Systems Ltd., Vancouver, BC) |
Under the appropriate conditions, the interface between a liquid and a substrate can be manipulated by applying an electric field. We have investigated this phenomenon, often known as electrowetting, in order to change the shape of water droplets to control reflectance properties and to develop a microfluidic pumping system with no mechanical moving parts. [details...]
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| A water drop will bead up on a hydrophobic surface |
We currently have a research program underway to develop both technically and economically feasible daylighting solutions. Our primary areas of focus are the development of efficient solar collection systems and hybrid lighting fixtures that can act as both solar light guides and auxiliary fluorescent fixtures. [details...]
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Installation of our original solar collector system at the Korea Institute for Energy Reseach (KIER) facility in Taejon, South Korea. |
The High Dynamic Range (HDR) display shows realistic, lifelike images since it is capable of displaying the true brightness range of the real world. This device was developed in the SSP laboratory as a tool for lighting quality research and, since its early development, it has attracted a great deal of attention in the display industry. The lighting quality research and optical research of this display is still underway in the SSP lab, but the technology has been licensed for commercial activities to a new UBC spin-off company, Sunnybrook Technologies Inc.
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The High Dynamic Range (HDR) display shows images with realistic dynamic range. |
The total internal reflection (TIR) based reflective display uses various microstructured polymer films to efficiently reflect ambient light and redirect it toward the viewer, resulting in a bright, white appearance. [details...]
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Scanning electron micrograph image of silica beads used in the TIR-reflective display research program |
Technology Transfer Activities
The University of British Columbia has an impressive record in technology transfer, primarily by licensing technologies and creating spin-off companies. We work closely with the University Industry Liaison Office for technology transfer activities. There have been a number of spin-off companies and technologies that have resulted from the research in the Structured Surface Physics Laboratory. [details...]
And More...
Coming soon!