Research

About us:

Our research group focusses on the science of spectral signatures: Laser spectroscopy of complex systems in crowded environments. One of the primary strengths of our research group is experimental and analytical methodologies of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) with an emphasis on:

  • Developing sensitive optical techniques for the early detection of cancers.
  • As a member of two NASA Mars missions (Curiosity and Mars 2020), analyzing laser induced breakdown spectra of Martian oils, dust and rocks.
  • Developing experimental and numerical methodologies for isotopic identification and quantification using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy.

In pursuit of these goals we search for novel numerical techniques (chemometirc, multi-variate, physics/plasma/spectral based) to improve quantification and predictive capabilities. We also search for novel ways of expanding the experimental methodologies of LIBS by combining the technique with other spectroscopic techniques such as Raman, fluorescence, and tagging features of interest such as biomarkers.