MRI: Acquisition of an Integrated Spectral Analysis Instrument

该项目将支持购买一台现代化的研究级集成光谱分析仪器，以加强和推动塔尔萨大学多个领域的研究和培训计划。该仪器将由两部分组成。第一部分由最先进的光谱分析仪(OSA)组成，它可以测量光信号中的功率如何在一系列波长上分布，对信号质量进行计算，特别是在干扰和噪声方面，并实时提供所有这些功能，而不需要在计算机上进行大量处理来恢复关键实验数据。通过实时测量波长上的光功率，可以表征先进材料的化学和物理特性，例如先进发光二极管、先进柔性电子材料以及化学反应的可视化和测量。波长和信号质量测量使研究先进的光纤系统成为可能，包括用于下一代互联网的千兆位光通信和用于监测地震活动的先进光学传感器网络。仪器的第二部分由探测材料所需的光源组成，并为通信和传感器系统提供输入。这些源以进行研究和分析所需的形式在感兴趣的波长上提供信号和光功率。该仪器将支持电气和计算机工程、化学、生物化学、地球科学和物理方面的研究和研究生和本科生培训，包括基于该仪器能力开发的新课程。该仪器将为地区STEM教师和高中生加强和建立扩展项目，并扩大与商业实体合作的机会。该项目将购买、安装并委托塔尔萨大学的教职员工和学生进行研究、培训和扩展。该仪器将包括一个最先进的光谱分析仪(OSA)，用于探测材料和化学反应的覆盖紫外线到近红外的宽带光源，用于测量特定波长现象的调谐光源，以及用于评估有线和无线高速光通信系统的高速可调数据源。最初的目标研究领域包括光无线、用于提高LED效率和颜色质量的材料和结构、微震的波长编码分布式传感、柔性电极材料的现场电化学分析以及有机染料作为可见光光氧化还原催化剂的光物理性质。该仪器将被安置在雷佐大厅，便于进入工程与自然科学学院内的所有教职员工和建筑。现有的物理基础设施，包括安装机架、电缆、连接器和电气隔离，将允许将信号源和OSA集成到一个单一的、有凝聚力的单元中，并提供维持系统运行所需的支持。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This project will support the acquisition of a modern, research grade Integrated Spectral Analysis instrument to enhance and drive forward research and training programs across multiple fields at The University of Tulsa. The instrument will consist of two parts. The first part consists of a state-of-the-art Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA) that can measure how the power in an optical signal is distributed over a range of wavelengths, perform calculations on the signal quality particularly with respect to interference and noise, and provide all of this functionality in real time without the need for extensive processing on a computer to recover critical experimental data. Measurement of optical power over wavelength in real time provides the ability to characterize the chemistry and physics of advanced materials, such as advanced light-emitting diodes, materials for advanced flexible electronics, and the visualization and measurement of chemical reactions. The wavelength and signal quality measurements enable studies of advanced fiber optic systems, including Gigabit optical communication for next generation internet and networks of advanced optical sensors for monitoring seismic activity. The second part of the instrument consists of the optical sources needed to probe the materials and provide input to the communication and sensor systems. The sources provide signals and optical power at the wavelengths of interest and in the format needed to conduct the research and analysis. The instrument will support research and both graduate and undergraduate student training in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Geosciences, and Physics, including new courses developed based on the instrument’s capabilities. The instrument will enhance and build outreach programs for regional STEM teachers and high-school students, and expand opportunities for collaboration with commercial entities.The project will acquire, install, and commission a state-of-the art Integrated Spectral Analysis instrument for research, training, and outreach by faculty and students at the University of Tulsa. The instrument will consist of a state-of-the-art Optical Spectrum Analyzer (OSA), broadband sources covering the ultraviolet to near-infrared for probing materials and chemical reactions, tuned sources for measuring phenomena at specific wavelengths, and high speed tunable data sources for evaluating wired and wireless high-speed optical communication systems. Initially targeted research areas include optical wireless, materials and structures for improved LED efficiency and color quality, wavelength encoded distributed sensing of microseismics, in-situ electrochemical analysis of flexible electrode materials, and photophysical properties of organic dyes as visible-light photoredox catalysts. The instrument will be housed in Rayzor Hall which allows easy access to all faculty and buildings within the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences. Existing physical infrastructure, including mounting racks, cabling, connectors, and electrical isolation, will allow integration of the sources and OSA into a single, cohesive unit and provide the support needed to maintain system operation.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.