Development of a 2D Vibrational Spectrometer for Materials Characterization Based on NMR Analogs

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With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) and Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF) Programs, Prof. Mark A. Berg of the University of South Carolina will develop a state-of-the-art 2D vibrational spectrometer for materials characterization based on NMR analogs. Two-dimensional vibrational spectroscopy can be used to directly probe the inter- and intramolecular vibrational coupling patterns in complex molecular systems. The 2D vibrational spectrometer combining infrared and Raman lasers can be used to study time-resolved structural evolutions of various systems including protein-ligand, organic-inorganic materials and other systems. Thus it promises to be one of the major experimental tools in characterizing the molecular nature of functional materials such as conjugated polyenes, in determining ultrafast dynamics of protein and protein-ligand binding processes, and in studying microscopic solvation dynamics by directly probing the real-time dynamics of solvent molecules close to solute molecules. These studies will have important consequences in each of the above areas, and accelerate the national development of two dimensional vibrational spectroscopy, an important emerging area. In addition, student participants will be exposed to a wide range of techniques.