With support from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities-Departmental Multiuser Instrument Acquisition (CRIF-MU) Program, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oregon in Eugene will acquire a Raman spectrometer equipped with a research grade microscope and translation stage for sub-micron resolution Raman surface mapping. This equipment will enhance research investigations on a) the properties of nanocrystalline silicon materials and chalcopyrite semiconductor films; b) carbon-rich networks and materials based on dehydrobenzoannulenes; c) conformationally preorganized diamide ligands for enhanced binding of f-block elements; d) vibrational spectroscopic measurements of liquid surfaces; and e) nitrogen-binding transition metal complexes.
Raman spectroscopy provides a powerful probe of molecular information. Raman scattering is complementary to infrared absorption in that it probes fundamentally different types of molecular vibrational modes. In addition to research use, this instrument will be integrated into the undergraduate laboratory curriculum in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry.
