MRI: Acquisition of a Raman Imaging Microscope at Western Washington University

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This award is supported by the Major Research Instrumentation and the Chemistry Research Instrumentation programs. Western Washington University is acquiring a Raman imaging microscope to support Professor Steven Emory and colleagues: Sean Mulcahy, David Rider, Ying Bao and Manuel Montaño. This spectrometer allows research in a variety of fields of significant economic importance. In general, a Raman microscope begins with a standard optical microscope but then uses a laser to scan the surface of a sample to implement a chemical image over the entire field of view. The laser wavelengths probe the surface and produce a spectrum which identifies chemical components in the material. This analysis gives useful information on the properties of the material. This is a powerful analytical tool for identifying chemical composition qualitatively and semi-quantitatively. The microscope is being used in a number of important research areas and is an integral part of teaching as well as research and research training of undergraduate students both at this institution and at nearby universities such as Whatcom Community College and Pacific Lutheran University.The award of the Raman microscope is aimed at enhancing research and education at all levels. The instrument acquisition impacts studies of polymer-nanoparticle composites for energy and catalysis applications and the use of earth-abundant photocatalysts for solar fuels. The instrumentation is used for exploring the utilization of organic crystals for electronic nanodevices and in applications of zinc oxide films in energy-related processes. In addition, the Raman Microscope provides information for employing nanomaterials for surface-enhanced detection and imaging as well as in making plasmonic gold nanorod and nanowire sensors. The microscope is used to study polymeric materials for potential biomedical applications and quantifying nanomaterials in the environment. The instrument is also employed in studies of deformation conditions of ancient subduction zones and in evaluating the toxicology of environmental microplastics.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.