Michelle Sander

Characterization and Imaging with Mid-Infrared Vibrational Photothermal Spectroscopy

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Infrared vibrational spectroscopy in the mid-infrared fingerprint region has emerged as a powerful tool to determine molecular structure in chemical and biomedical samples. This enables clinical diagnosis, environmental monitoring and chemical analysis of hazardous materials. Photothermal spectroscopy in the mid-infrared is a novel approach for vibrational characterization that directly addresses some of the short-comings of existing methods by eliminating the need for complex mid-infrared detectors and set-up configurations. This project focuses on the spectral analysis and imaging of chemical and biological samples with photothermal spectroscopy. The spectral signatures will be compared against other established techniques like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and optical microscope images.

LEARNING GOALS
• This project combines material analysis with optical characterization techniques.
• Scientific concepts in material characterization and sample preparation will be combined with optical imaging and spectroscopy.
• With regards to the optical imaging and spectroscopy techniques, the student will advance their use and understanding of bright field and dark field microscopy.
• Learn instrumentation methods such as FTIR spectroscopy and our novel custom-built photothermal spectroscopy.
• Critical thinking skills in evaluating data and comparison of different techniques will be emphasized.

Learn more about Professor Sander’s work at her lab website.