MRI: Acquisition of a Raman Microscope to Enhance Research and Teaching at Valparaiso University and Northwest Indiana Partners

该奖项由主要研究仪器项目和化学研究仪器项目共同支持。瓦尔帕莱索大学正在获取一台拉曼显微镜，以支持保罗·史密斯教授及其同事乔恩-保罗·麦考尔和朱莉·佩勒的研究。该仪器促进了化学、工程和地理领域的研究。拉曼显微镜将标准光学显微镜与激光相结合，激光用来扫描样品的表面，在视野内产生化学图像。激光波长用于探测样品的振动特性，并产生识别材料中化学成分的光谱。这是一种强大的分析工具，可以定性和半定量地鉴定各种材料的化学成分。这一工具加强了许多部门各级学生的教育、研究和教学努力，并提供了在附近机构使用的便利条件。研究和研究培训在可持续发展、水控制和管理以及太阳能等及时的主题领域促进科学发展并造福社会。拉曼显微镜奖旨在加强各级研究和教育，特别是那些专注于化学、能源和可持续发展的研究和教育。研究的重点是分析和量化水中的微塑料以及天然水中的矿物学变化。此外，其他研究的重点是绘制电子如何渗透到电池阴极上。它还帮助确定原子空缺如何影响固定床反应堆中的太阳能到燃料的反应。这一奖项反映了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 award is jointly supported by the Major Research Instrumentation and the Chemistry Research Instrumentation Programs. Valparaiso University is acquiring a Raman microscope to support the research of Professor Paul Smith and colleagues Jon-Paul McCool and Julie Peller. This instrument facilitates research in the areas of chemistry, engineering, and geography. Raman microscopy integrates a standard optical microscope with a laser that is used to scan the surface of a sample to generate a chemical image over the field of view. The laser wavelength is used to probe the vibrational properties of sample and produce a spectrum that identifies chemical components in the material. This is a powerful analytical tool for identifying chemical composition qualitatively and semi-quantitatively of various materials. This instrument enhances the educational, research, and teaching efforts of students at all levels in many departments as well as provides accessibility for use at nearby institutions. Research and research training advances science and benefits society in timely topical areas such as sustainability, water control and management, and solar energy.The award of the Raman microscope is aimed at enhancing research and education at all levels, especially in those focused on chemistry, energy, and sustainability. Research focuses on the analysis and quantification of microplastics in water as well as of mineralogical variations in natural waters. In addition, other investigations focus on mapping how electrons permeate battery cathodes. It also assists in determining how atom vacancies influence solar-to-fuel reactions in fixed-bed reactors.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.