M. Selim Ünlü | June 12, 2024 - 8:05 AM
Interferometric Reflection Imaging Sensor – A journey of innovation and entrepreneurship in an academic laboratory
Synergistic collaboration of researchers from multiple disciplines of science and engineering has been crucial for advances in biosensing and its applications to disease diagnostics. Here, we tell the story of innovation for a simple yet elegant technology – Interferometric Reflectance Imaging Sensor (IRIS) - that defies the conventional wisdom that calls for enhancing the signal through complex optical resonances. Instead, we exploit light interference from an optically transparent thin film—the same phenomenon that gives rainbow colors to a soap film when illuminated by white light. Perhaps one of the most exciting applications of IRIS is single nanoparticle/molecule counting or digital detection, a disruptive technology potentially allowing most advanced tools to become available at a low cost and at the point-of-need. Detection of single particles, especially in complex solutions, is easier – and much more accurate and sensitive – than the measurement of the ensemble quantities. We present experiences of multiple generations of science and engineering students, starting with basic research with applications in mind, catching the entrepreneurship fever, benefiting from training opportunities and following their dreams to success stories.
Biography
M. Selim Ünlü received his B.S. degree (1986) from the Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey, in 1986, and his Ph.D. degree (1992) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, both in electrical engineering. Since 1992, he has been a faculty member at Boston University. He is currently a Distinguished Professor of Engineering appointed in electrical and computer engineering, biomedical engineering, physics, materials science and engineering, and graduate medical sciences. His research interests are in the areas of nanophotonics and biophotonics focusing on high-resolution solid immersion lens microscopy of integrated circuits and development of biological detection and imaging techniques, particularly in high-throughput digital biosensors based on detection of individual biological nanoparticles, viruses, and single molecule counting.
Dr. Ünlü’s experience spans the globe and includes numerous awards. He is a Fellow of IEEE. Optica, and AIMBE. He was awarded the Science Award (2008) by the Turkish Scientific Foundation. His professional service includes serving as the Editor-in-Chief for IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics and General Chair of IEEE Photonics Society Annual Meeting. Dr. Ünlü’s research led more than 25 US/international patents and several start-up companies. He received the Boston University Innovator of the Year Award in 2021.
Research Interests
Learn more about the research at Boston University's Optical Characterization & Nanophtonics Laboratory.
