We are excited to share that Balaji Baskar has been honored with the Best Presentation Award for the K9-08 Session at the ASME 2024 Heat Transfer Summer Conference (SHTC) in Anaheim, CA.
His award-winning presentation, titled “Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Nanostructures for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy,” showcased the benefits of using femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional multi-step clean room processed nano substrates used in SERS sensing applications.
SERS sensors have significant applications across various fields, including the food industry, biotechnology, environmental monitoring, photocatalysis, and medical care. There is strong community interest in achieving femtomolar and attomolar level sensitivity. The hotspots in laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS)—such as nanogaps, nanoripples, and nanogrooves—can greatly enhance the electromagnetic field and Raman response. LIPSS on noble metals (Au, Ag, Cu) and semiconductors hold tremendous potential to serve as highly effective SERS substrates.
In addition, laser-based surface functionalization can significantly enhance wetting properties and alter cavitation bubble dynamics. Research conducted in AGUI-Lab evaluated the effects of laser-engraved microstructures, nanostructures, and hierarchical structures on cavitation erosion, yielding promising results. Future work involving simulations will further validate and enhance these experimental findings