MRI: Development of a fully automated dual-frequency two-dimensional, attenuated total refectance (2DIR ATR) instrument for measurements at interfaces

该奖项由主要研究仪器（MRI），化学研究仪器（CRIF）计划和刺激竞争性研究的既定计划（EPSCoR）支持。 杜兰大学的Igor Rubtsov教授开发了一种双频二维红外衰减全反射光谱仪。 所获得的光谱测量包括单层的薄膜中的分子的结构特征。光谱仪使用三个红外光束来探测样品。 反射操作模式（ATR）和特殊纳米天线的添加提供了比通常使用2D-IR光谱仪获得的更高的灵敏度。这使得能够测量小的薄样品，如膜，表面和薄膜，这是迄今为止无法访问。研究的一个领域是了解膜的物理性质如何随其组成和结构而变化。膜特性的变化对于一系列神经退行性疾病是重要的。对研究生进行仪器开发培训。来自杜兰大学和泽维尔大学（LA）的本科生接受了这项技术的培训。 该光谱仪在生物物理学和多相催化等领域提供了更深入的见解。研究了自组装单分子膜的结构和动力学以及单分子膜的稳定性，该自组装单分子膜具有从光捕获到传感的各种应用。 对储能复合材料的击穿过程进行了探讨，以了解引起击穿的原因.研究金属如何粘附到聚合物表面（双层形成）的机制以了解该过程。研究了在好氧土壤细菌中发现的酶对二氧化碳的活化作用。 研究与自组装单分子膜（SAMS）进行。这是一个了解细胞外基质（ECM）在癌症转移中可能作用的模型系统。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值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 supported by the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI), the Chemistry Research Instrumentation (CRIF) Programs and the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). Professor Igor Rubtsov from Tulane University has developed a dual-frequency two-dimensional infrared, attenuated total reflectance (2DIR ATR) spectrometer. The spectrum which is obtained measures structural features of molecules in thin films including monolayers. The spectrometer uses three infrared beams to probe a sample. The reflectance mode of operation (ATR) and addition of special nano-antenna provides higher sensitivity than usually obtained with 2D-IR spectrometers. This enables measurements of small thin samples such as membranes, surfaces and thin films which are heretofore inaccessible. One area of research is directed at understanding how the physical properties of the membranes change with their composition and structure. Changes in membrane properties are important for a range of neurodegenerative disorders. Training of graduate students in instrument development occurs. Undergraduates from Tulane and Xavier University (LA) are trained in the technique. This spectrometer provides deeper insights in fields such as biophysics and heterogeneous catalysis. The structure and dynamics of self-assembled monolayers that have various applications ranging from light-harvesting to sensing is studied as well as monolayer stability. Breakdown process in composites for energy storage are probed to understand what causes the breakdown. The mechanism of how a metal adheres to a polymer surface (double-layer formation) is studied to understand the process. Carbon dioxide activation using enzymes found in in aerobic soil-dwelling bacteria is investigated. Research with self-assembled monolayers (SAMS) is conducted. This is a model system to understand the possible role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cancer metastasis.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.