Dr. Sasani Jayawardhana obtained her Bachelor of Science degree specializing in Physics from the University of Colombo, PhD from Swinburne University of Technology and later engaged in postdoctoral work at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Her PhD research primarily involved the development of nanostructured sensor elements on optical fiber probes for remote sensing applications using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
During her postdoctoral work, she led the development of optical and electromechanical instrument laboratories for material surface analysis, spectrometry, and applied physics, while being engaged as a full-time lecturer. Sasani was central in establishing the ALOeKA research facility located at the University of Colombo, which brought together areas of artificial intelligence and spectroscopic techniques for applications in the materials sciences.
Research Interests
Sasani is interested in the blending of machine learning techniques with materials sciences. The field of materials science is undergoing a transformative shift powered by the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As traditional methods for materials discovery are time-consuming and resource-intensive, AI emerges as a powerful tool to revolutionize this process. The sheer complexity of material behavior demands a multidimensional exploration that AI efficiently facilitates. By analyzing vast datasets encompassing diverse material properties, structures, and compositions, AI identifies intricate correlations and patterns that human intuition might overlook. The synthesis, characterization, and optimization of new materials benefit immensely from AI-driven techniques, expediting innovation and unlocking materials that can revolutionize industries.
Selected Publications
- W. I. W. Y. Boteju, M. K. A. S. Gunarathna, T. L. M. D. Fonseka, H. N. S. Peiris, L. A. R. Silva, N. N. S. S. Jayathilaka, L. A. G. D. Jayasekara, P. N. Perera, H. H. E. Jayaweera, M. S. Gunewardene, S. Jayawardhana, A quantitative approach to gemstone identification using Raman spectroscopy combined with machine learning, Sri Lankan Journal of Physics, Vol. 23 (1) (2022) 1-1
- R.M.D.M. Senarathna, W.K.I.L. Wanniarachchi, S. Jayawardhana, Replication of the Surface Wettability of Plant Leaves with Different Surface Morphologies Using Soft Lithography, International Journal of Nanoscience, vol 19, issue 3 (2020)
- R.M.D.M. Senarathna, W.K.I.L. Wanniarachchi, D.R. Rathnaweera and S. Jayawardhana, Development of a Low-cost Automated Micro Dispense Digital Goniometric Device with Drop Shape Analysis, IEEE Xplore Digital Library (online) (2018)
- S. Jayawardhana, L. Rosa, S. Juodkazis & P. R. Stoddart, Additional Enhancement of Electric Field in Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering due to Fresnel Mechanism. Scientific Reports. 3, (2013)
- P. R. Stoddart, S. Jayawardhana, Nanofabrication of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrates for Optical Fiber Sensors, Proceedings of SPIE Volume 8613, March (2013)
- S. Jayawardhana, A. P. Mazzolini, and P. R. Stoddart, Collection efficiency of scattered light in single ended optical fiber sensors. Optics Letters 37,11,2142-2144 (2012)
- S. Jayawardhana, L. Rosa, R. Buividas, P. R. Stoddart and S. Juodkazis, Light Enhancement in Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering at oblique incidence, Photonic Sensors 2,3 283-288 (2012).
- S. Sriram, M. Bhaskaran, S. Jayawardhana, P.R. Stoddart, K. Kalantar-Zadeh, A. Mitchell, Influence of Electric Field on SERS: Frequency Effects, Intensity Changes, and Susceptible Bonds, Journal of the American Chemical Society, 134 (10), (2012)
- S. Jayawardhana, G. Kostovski, A. P. Mazzolini and P. R. Stoddart, Optical Fiber Sensor based on Oblique Angle Deposition. Applied Optics, 50, 155-162 (2011).
- G. Kostovski, U. Chinnasamy, S. Jayawardhana, P. R. Stoddart, and A. Mitchell, Nanoimprinting: Sub-15nm Optical Fiber Nanoimprint Lithography: A Parallel, Self-aligned and Portable Approach, Advanced Materials, 23, (2011)