Probing Microscopic Structure and Dynamics in Complex Systems

在这个由化学系实验物理化学项目资助的奖项中，约翰·T·马里兰州大学帕克分校的Fourkas和他的本科生和研究生研究生将利用光学克尔效应（OKE）光谱学研究液体。 该研究计划将开发OKE光谱的新模式，并将致力于开发用于显微镜应用的OKE方法。 希望OKE将提供一个强大的方法，在显微镜对比度增强。 此外，Fourkas教授和他的研究生将继续他们的分子水平的液体结构的基础研究，如OKE光谱探测。 后者的一个独特的方面是试图探测极端紧张和极端封闭环境下液体的微观结构。 Fourkas教授的研究成果预计将在工业分离、石油回收、空化和植物中的水输送等领域产生广泛的技术和科学兴趣。 显微镜的发展可能会对生物科学产生影响。除了支持研究的更广泛的科学和技术影响外，Fourkas教授将继续培养下一代年轻科学家，并将继续成功地将其研究成果带给更广泛的普通观众。

In this award, funded by the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Prof. John T. Fourkas of the University of Maryland, College Park, and his undergraduate and graduate research students will study liquids with Optical Kerr Effect (OKE) spectroscopy. The research program will develop new modalities of OKE spectroscopy, and will work on developing OKE methods for microscopy applications. The hope is that OKE will provide a robust method for contrast enhancement in microscopy. In addition, Prof. Fourkas and his research students will continue their fundamental studies of molecular-level liquid structure, as probed by OKE spectroscopy. One unique aspect of this latter effort is the attempt to probe the microscopic structure of liquids under extreme tension and in extremely confined environments. The results from Prof. Fourkas' research are expected to be of broad technological and scientific interest in fields as diverse as industrial separations, oil recovery, cavitation, and water transport in plants. The developments in microscopy may have an impact the biological sciences.Besides the broader scientific and technological impacts of the research being supported, Prof. Fourkas will continue to train the next generation of young scientists, and will continue in his successful efforts to bring the results of his research to a wider general audience.