Sum Frequency Generation Spectroscopy
Our third-generation broadband vibrational sum-frequency generation (SFG) spectrometer combines advances made in previous generations by including pulse shaping technology, purged and enclosed beam paths, real time feedback and control using motorized stages and mounts to facilitate the study of complex interfaces evolving in time. The collinear geometry allows for wavelengths spanning 1 to 11 µm to be probed without substantial realignment. The modular design allows for easy exchange of sample holders and environments, which include a high temperature cell with a gas manifold and mass flow controllers for studies of catalysts, electrochemical cells, liquid sample environments, liquid-solid flow cells, liquid-liquid sample stages, and a newly added Langmuir trough.
Two-Dimensional Infrared Spectroscopy
A Phasetech 2DQuick-IR spectrometer is used in our labs to study ultrafast dynamics in a range of molecular and nano-scale samples. Here, we seek to understand fundamental aspects of solvation and relaxation dynamics central to chemical selectivity in separations science, soft matter, and other applications.
Multimodal Nonlinear Microscopy
We have recently demonstrated a total internal reflection enabled nonlinear optical microscope capable of probing living samples in a chemically selective and spatio-temporally resolved manner. This allows us to perform optical imaging measurements including coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering (CARS), SFG, two-photon fluorescence (2PF) and second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscopies on a wide range of systems. Expansion of these approaches to compressive sensing and ptychographic reconstruction approaches is underway.