The Laser Spectroscopy and Chemical Microtechnology Group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory has three central themes: the analysis of domains and interfaces with micro- to nanometer length scales, innovations in mass spectrometry, and creation of robust ion stripping foils for accelerator applications. This effort combines a number of disciplines including laser spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, chemical separations, microfabrication, instrument design, materials science, and chemical analysis. Our laser spectroscopy activities include single molecule and single nanoparticle spectroscopy, ultrafast spectroscopy for chemical imaging at a 10-nm length scale and for dynamics, and nonlinear optical spectroscopy of surface-bound species. An additional program objective is to implement efficient computational methodologies that accurately describe laser-matter interactions to aid in the interpretation as well as prediction of experimental results. The mass spectroscopy effort comprises real-time chemical characterization of individual aerosol particles including biological, environmental, and combustion particles. In addition, a mass spectrometer useful for analysis of species (e.g., viruses, bacteria) at ultra-high mass (> 100 KDa) is under development. We deposit thin nano-textured diamond films by chemical vapor deposition for use as robust accelerator stripping foils. Chemical microtechnology activities include microfabrication of ion mobility and ion trap mass spectrometers; these efforts are currently directed toward environmental monitoring and isotopic enrichment determination challenges.

For more information, contact Bob Shaw at (865) 574-4882.