MRI: Acquisition of Photothermal Infrared Raman Microscope for High Resolution Label-free Chemical Imaging

This award is jointly supported by the Major Research Instrumentation and the Chemistry Research Instrumentation programs. The Ohio State University is acquiring a photothermal Infrared-Raman microscope Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) imaging microscope to support the research of Zachary Schultz and colleagues Susan Olesik, Luis Rodriguez-Saona, Vicky Doan-Nguyen and Barbara Dunlap.

This instrument facilitates research in the areas of biochemistry and cellular processes, electrochemistry, catalysis, and analytical chemistry. In general, the infrared and Raman spectroscopies measure the intensity of the absorbed and scattered radiation when it interacts with a sample, respectively. When radiation interacts with a compound, the molecules can begin to vibrate or rotate at certain frequencies.

In a heterogeneous sample, this powerful analytical tool helps identify chemical composition qualitatively. The information can also be used to create an image of the material composition in a sample. This instrument enhances the educational, research, and teaching efforts of students at all levels in many departments as well as provides accessibility for use at nearby institutions.

This award to acquire a photothermal infrared-Raman microscope is aimed at enhancing research and education at all levels, especially in chemistry and biochemistry. Studies focused on chemically imaging sub-cellular microenvironments such as drug targeting and lycopene metabolim in cellular models are pursued as are those focused on using IR photoimaging for energy storage applications such as multi-functional cathodes for electrochemical enhancement in Li-S batteries and tracking polysulfude suppresion.

Other applications involving characterizing polymer nanoparticle composites and high throughput diagnostic screening are also being pursued.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.