Acquisition of a Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Microscope for Advancing Multidisciplinary Research and Education at San Francisco State University
Abstract
The goal of this proposal is to acquire a Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (TERS) microscope to bring new research capabilities to the Departments of Physics & Astronomy and Chemistry & Biochemistry in the College of Science & Engineering (CoSE) at San Francisco State University (SFSU). The TERS microscope will provide four investigators and 21 student researchers new research capabilities in the areas of nanophotonics and advanced materials and open new collaboration opportunities across multiple disciplines. The research facilitated by this instrument has the potential to advance fundamental science enabling new technologies for display, nanoscale light-guiding, single molecule sensing and spectroscopy, quantum photonic integrated circuits, and energy conversion. It will enhance the institutional capacity to offer students high quality research training and to develop research-based curricula in STEM fields. It will promote the participation of students, especially students from underrepresented groups, in research and STEM education. Together with their student researchers, the participating investigators will conduct research in areas of interest to the DoD by elucidating nanoscale physical and chemical information of nanostructured matter. The TERS microscope will provide access to such information and will advance fundamental scientific knowledge in the investigation of: (i) optical phenomena in disordered plasmonic nanopillar and nanowaveguide array systems and their application in display and nanoscale light-guiding, single molecule sensing and spectroscopy, and quantum photonic integrated circuits; (ii) optoelectronic properties of atom-thick van der Waals heterostructures and their device applications; (iii) local electronic and optical properties in semiconductor thin films; (iv) in situ electrochemical-TERS studies of electrocatalyst-electrode interactions. The study on photonic nanostructures will provide new insights in light-matter interactions, disordered nanophotonic systems, and quantum plasmonics, as well as enable the development of new applications, including transparent display devices, techniques for the detection of energetic molecules (explosive vapors) with high sensitivity and specificity, and efficient single photon sources. In addition to advancing the knowledge of 2D materials, semiconductor thin films, and interfacial materials, the microscope will pave the way for developing novel optoelectronic devices for information technology and energy conversion. The TERS microscope will significantly enhance SFSUÕs capabilities to offer its students high quality research training and broaden the participation of students from underrepresented groups in STEM fields. It will enable students to participate in cutting-edge interdisciplinary STEM research and gain hands-on experience in using state-of-the-art equipment. It will allow to develop research-enriched curricula for laboratory and capstone courses, thereby enhancing the quality of STEM programs by providing students new methods of analyses, hands-on experiences, and problem-solving skills. Through outreach activities students from local community colleges and high schools are provided opportunities to engage in frontier research using state-of-the-art experimental techniques thereby developing a skillset essential for their professional development. The project will contribute to making science and engineering education more accessible to students, especially to those underrepresented in STEM, and, thus, help create a more diverse STEM workforce.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110241
Entities
People
- Huizhong Xu
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- San Francisco State University