Postdoctoral Researcher
Lahore University of Management Sciences
Total years of experience :3 years, 4 Months
I led a group of enthusiastic young researchers to develop a portable optical sensor for rapid, non-invasive, and on-site Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis. The probe detected TB in patients’ saliva using Raman spectroscopy and a machine-learning algorithm. In this project, I acquired the following skills:
1) Employing various simulation tools to investigate unknown Raman peaks.
2) Developing and optimizing liquid and gas-phase Raman setups.
3) Utilizing various post-processing techniques to extract useful information from Raman spectra.
Currently, I am working on another TB probe that uses functionalized taper fibers in conjunction with phase shift-cavity ringdown spectroscopy (PS-CRDS) to specifically target LAM (a TB biomarker) in urine samples. Moreover, I recently started working with the paper industry to develop a low-cost moisture probe for their production plant. Furthermore, I am working on an optical sensor that will check cricket players' balling arm action against the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules using an SMF-MMF-SMF in-fiber interferometer. Lastly, out of my interest, I am exploring the machine learning domain and acquiring expertise in the fundamentals of optical design on the Zemax platform.
I studied theoretical formulations and experimental schemes for developing single and multicavity fiber sensors with high sensitivity and a low detection limit for liquid sensing applications. In a cavity setup, tapered fiber experiences an increase in temperature, which causes errors in sensor measurements. To estimate its impact on sensing measurements, I derived an analytical expression that describes the temporospatial thermal response of the tapered fiber under the assumption of fundamental mode excitation. Secondly, I employed finite element method simulations to determine an optimum radius of the tapered fiber to maximize the sensor sensitivity. Thirdly, I proposed a unique sensing modality that allows light to transverse the tapered fiber twice in one round trip, enhancing the sensor’s sensitivity in an active cavity setup. Lastly, I propose a multi-cavity digital system that carefully selects cavity lengths to predictably control sensor sensitivity, detection limit, and dynamic range of the sensor.