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

技术概述：三维非破坏性和非侵入性成像允许对各种性质的完整样品进行分析。有几种技术可用于从原子到宏观尺度的3D成像，如X射线衍射、微纳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。一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记。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中的多个位置收集拉曼光谱，可用于生成包含大量化学信息的图像，其中包括对快速动态过程的时间分辨调查。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激光光源)共焦拉曼显微镜。该仪器在伊利诺伊州的一系列不同研究中具有相关性，将安装在贝克曼研究所成像技术集团的显微镜套件中，供校园内广泛使用。成像技术小组和合作教员将继续通过针对不同学生和工作人员的各种外展项目来加强科学教育和培训。莱曼摘要：三维非破坏性和非侵入性成像允许对各种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，是推进几个项目所必需的，为材料表征中的光学和光谱分析提供了一个平台。该仪器的配置允许样品处理的多样性，将支持18个不同实验室正在进行的广泛的伊利诺伊州研究项目。已确定的关键研究领域将极大地受益于这一先进仪器的收购，包括自我修复系统、多功能聚合物、电子材料和细胞与组织。该仪器在伊利诺伊州的一系列不同研究中具有相关性，将安装在贝克曼研究所成像技术集团的显微镜套件中，供校园内广泛使用。这台仪器将是校园内唯一一台多用户可访问的多波长共焦拉曼显微镜。成像技术小组和合作教员将继续通过为不同的学生和教职员工群体开展各种外展项目来加强科学教育和培训。

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.