Raman Spectrometer for the Characterization of Advanced Materials and Nanomaterials
Abstract
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 and the Department of Defense (DoD) Appropriations Act for 2014 allocated $10.7M to assist Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) and to enhance their research and education capabilities in scientific areas relevant to the defense mission. The FY 2014 program supports the acquisition of research equipment and instrumentation to augment existing capabilities and to develop new capabilities that will facilitate greater participation in DoD research programs and encourage more students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. This proposal from Principal Investigator, Dr. Dorina Chi para, requests support for the acquisition of a Raman spectrometer to enhance and strengthen the University of Rio Grande Valley s (former University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA)) research in materials and nanomaterials. The proposed instrument will enable new experimental capabilities including: Multiple Raman wavelengths for the identification dispersive lines and non-linear phenomena, in depth analysis of phase transitions, self-organization, and molecular dynamics by exploiting the variable temperature capabilities ofthe Lin.kam s accessory, Detailed automatic investigations on the crystalline phase and texture of materials by computer-controlled laser polarization studies, Outstanding high resolution and high speed chemical mapping capable to identify the chemical composition and eventually the phase (crystalline, amorphous) content, Low wavenumber capabilities (up to 10 cm-1), necessary to investigate the Boson peak in polymeric materials (amorphous) and to better understand the glass transition in polymeric nanocomposites. The Raman spectrometer will ignite new research directions and will strengthen existing research expertise in the area of materials and nanomaterials, while resulting in a better alignment of UTRGV s research to Department of Defense research goals. The instrumentation to be obtained through DoD funding will also enhance interdisciplinary teaching and learning activities at UTRGV such as course development, new research laboratory, outreach for attracting future minority graduate students in the STEM fields, and hands-on learning activities leading to vital research skills for future employment. High school students and their teacher will be incited to learn about Raman spectroscopy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 2017
- Source ID
- W911NF1510063
Entities
People
- Dorina Chipara
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley