Facilities/Capabilities
The Laser Spectroscopy of Complex Systems is currently located in the Wanalancit Mills building Suite 110. Our lab is currently outfitted for fundamental and applied Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Raman Spectroscopy experiments and analysis. We have several lasers capable of producing a sufficient spark for LIBS conditions including a Clark MXR femtosecond laser operating at the kHz level with laser energies of 0.5-1.3 mJ and a Continuum Surelight II nanosecond pulsed laser that operates between 1 and 15 Hz with laser energies between 14 and 600 mJ per pulse. We also possess several CW lasers to use for enhancing surface and sample properties and to use as probe lasers for active spectroscopic investigations. Spectroscopically, we have several instruments that give us the capability to cover the UV-VIS-NIR regions between 250 and 900 nm in temporally/spatially averaged and resolved configurations. For the processing of biological and industrial samples we also own an Atom Trace SciTrace LIBS interaction chamber (pictured above) that allows us study these samples in an automated and fast fashion. We also have a devoted sample preparation room which allows us to work with biological, geological, and industrial samples. Equipped with a fume hood and freezers, we are equipped to safely and quickly store and prepare samples for our LIBS interrogations.
In addition to our experimental facilities, the composition of our research group has significant computational expertise based on the diversity of experience of our team. We possess expertise and interest in chemometric and multivariate modeling, application of neural networks to problems of spectroscopic interest, and developing solutions to problems in applied spectroscopy such as rapid peak identification and automated spectral continuum removal. We perform most of our calculations on Dell Precision Tower work stations though, when needed, we have access to high performance computation capabilities through the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center.