MRI: Acquisition of a Confocal Raman Microscope for Non-destructive Imaging of Complex Heterogeneous Materials

技术概述：非破坏性和非侵入性三维成像允许对不同性质的完整样本进行分析。有几种技术可用于从原子到宏观尺度的三维成像，如x射线衍射、微纳米x射线计算机断层扫描、正电子发射断层扫描和荧光共聚焦显微镜。在一些标本中，这些技术的局限性需要更先进的仪器来产生高对比度、高分辨率的图像。有些样品不能一致地衍射x射线，对可见光敏感，在采样时间内显示动态行为，衍射光，非荧光，或不包括重原子标签。共聚焦拉曼显微镜为这些和其他具有挑战性的样品的3D成像提供了一种非侵入性和非破坏性的方法。新仪器将允许在样品内的多个位置收集拉曼光谱，可用于生成包含丰富化学信息的图像，包括快速动态过程的时间分辨研究。共聚焦拉曼光谱将用于分析聚合物、半导体、固态材料、活细胞和纳米材料。该仪器将是校园内唯一的多用户可访问的多波长（532、633和785 nm激光源）共聚焦拉曼显微镜。该仪器与伊利诺斯州的各种研究相关，并将被安置在贝克曼研究所成像技术组的显微镜套件中，以便在校园里广泛使用。影像技术组和合作教师将继续加强科学教育和培训，通过各种推广项目，为不同群体的学生和员工。外行人总结：三维非破坏性和非侵入性成像允许对不同性质的完整样本进行分析。有几种技术可用于从原子到宏观尺度的3D成像，但它们探测复杂材料的能力有限。共聚焦拉曼显微镜为具有挑战性的样品提供了一种非侵入性和非破坏性的3D成像方法，并且为几个项目的推进提供了必要的条件，为材料表征中的光学和光谱分析提供了平台。配置允许多样性的样品处理，该仪器将支持范围广泛的正在进行的伊利诺伊州的研究计划在超过18个不同的实验室。关键的研究领域已经被确定，包括自修复系统、多功能聚合物、电子材料、细胞和组织等，将从获得这种先进的仪器中受益匪浅。该仪器与伊利诺斯州的各种研究相关，并将被安置在贝克曼研究所成像技术组的显微镜套件中，以便在校园里广泛使用。该仪器将是校园内唯一的多用户可访问的多波长共聚焦拉曼显微镜。影像技术组和合作教师将继续加强科学教育和培训，通过各种推广项目，为不同群体的学生和员工。

Technical Summary: Non-destructive and non-invasive imaging in three dimensions allows for the analysis of intact samples of a diverse nature. Several techniques are available for 3D imaging from the atomic to macroscopic scales, such as x-ray diffraction, micro and nano x-ray computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and fluorescence confocal microscopy. In some specimens, the limitations of these techniques require more advanced instrumentation to produce high-contrast, high-resolution images. Some samples do not diffract x-rays consistently, are sensitive to visible light, display dynamic behavior within the sampling time, diffract light, are non-fluorescent, or do not include heavy atom labels. Confocal Raman microscopy provides a non-invasive and non-destructive method for 3D imaging of these and other challenging samples. The new instrument will allow for collection of Raman spectra at multiple positions within a sample can be used to generate images containing an abundance of chemical information that includes time-resolved investigations of fast dynamic processes. Confocal Raman spectroscopy will be used to analyze polymers, semiconductors, solid-state materials, live cells, and nanomaterials. This instrument will be the only multi-user-accessible multi-wavelength (532, 633, and 785 nm laser sources) confocal Raman microscope on campus. The instrument has relevance in a diverse array of research at Illinois and will be housed at the Microscopy Suite of the Imaging Technology Group at the Beckman Institute for broad access across campus. The Imaging Technology group and collaborating faculty will continue to enhance science education and training through a variety of outreach projects for a diverse group of students and staff.Layman Summary: Non-destructive and non-invasive imaging in three dimensions allows for the analysis of intact samples of a diverse nature. Several techniques are available for 3D imaging from the atomic to macroscopic scales but are limited in their ability to probe complex materials. Confocal Raman microscopy provides a non-invasive and non-destructive method for 3D imaging of challenging samples and is required for the advancement of several projects, providing a platform for optical and spectroscopic analysis in materials characterization. Configured to allow for diversity in sample handling, the instrument will support a broad range of ongoing Illinois research programs in more than 18 different laboratories. Key research areas have been identified that would greatly benefit from acquisition of this advanced instrument including self-healing systems, multi-functional polymers, electronic materials, and cells & tissues. The instrument has relevance in a diverse array of research at Illinois and will be housed at the Microscopy Suite of the Imaging Technology Group at the Beckman Institute for broad access across campus. This instrument will be the only multi-user-accessible multi-wavelength confocal Raman microscope on campus. The Imaging Technology group and collaborating faculty will continue to enhance science education and training through a variety of outreach projects for a diverse group of students and staff.