Improvement of Undergraduate Science Instruction with a Microscope-Based Raman System

化学系和物理系正在加大力度加强理科本科学位课程。这项工作包括构建一个基于显微镜的拉曼系统。建造这样一个系统的好处，而不是购买它作为一个商业单位，不仅是获得一个拉曼光谱仪，而且还获得更好的理解激光技术。拉曼实验提供了有关分子振动和旋转性质的信息。这些数据在进行结构和化学分析时很有用。拉曼光谱是红外吸收光谱的补充，因为弱红外吸收光谱是强拉曼散射光谱，反之亦然。该系统中开放的光学腔，暴露的元件和激光光学的可调节性为学生提供了一个宝贵的机会来研究简单激光器的工作原理。正如任何与激光一起工作的人都会证明的那样，激光的实际操作经验对于理解其操作是绝对必要的。该项目的主要目标是培养本科化学和物理专业学生使用和应用基于显微镜的拉曼系统；为有机化学、仪器分析、物理化学、光学和生物物理学等课程开发新的实验练习；并扩大本科生/教师研究的调查可能性的广度。

The Chemistry and Physics Departments are increasing their efforts to strengthen undergraduate degree programs in the sciences. This effort includes the construction of a microscope-based Raman system. The benefit of constructing such a system, rather than purchasing it as a commercial unit, is not only to obtain a Raman spectrometer, but also to gain a better understanding of laser techniques. Raman experiments yield information about the vibrational and rotational nature of molecules. These data are useful when performing structural and chemical analyses. Raman complements infra-red (IR) absorption spectroscopy because weak IR absorbers are strong Raman scatterers and vice versa. The open optical cavity, exposed components, and adjustability of laser optics in this system afford the student a valuable opportunity to investigate the workings of a simple laser. As any person who works with lasers will testify, hands-on experience with a laser is absolutely essential to comprehending its operation. The primary goals of the project are to train undergraduate chemistry and physics students in the use and application of a microscope-based Raman system; to develop new laboratory exercises for several courses, including Organic Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis, Physical Chemistry, Optics, and Biophysics; and to extend the breadth of investigative possibilities for undergraduate student/faculty research.