With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Acquisition Program, the Chemistry Department at SUNY College at Plattsburgh will acquire an Optical Spectrometer with Continuum IR Microscope. The instrument will be used to investigate a range of research projects, including the analysis of interplanetary dust particles (IDPs), lignin hydrolysis reactions for wood pulping, and the characterization of detrital matter in aquatic ecosystems.
This spectrometer will be utilized to observe transitions between energy levels in the infrared region of the spectrum. These transitions arise from quantized vibrational motions in molecules. The transitions can be used for identifying compounds and their environment (qualitative analysis) and for determining amounts of materials (quantitative analysis). This information also permits structural characterization of substances at the molecular level. A microscope accessory will enable analyses to be performed on small samples and particulates. The instrument will be used in course related instruction and in undergraduate research projects that are undertaken at SUNY Plattsburgh and the Lake Champlain Research Institute.
