The surface analysis center houses a state-of-the-art Confocal Raman Microscope. The lab has a Yvon Jobin LabRam ARAMIS, which is available for use by students and post-docs after training. Both solid and liquid samples can be characterized. Glass slides are provided to hold the solid samples. The liquid samples such as molecules, functionalized nanoparticles that are suspended in a buffer solution, can be stored in a test tube or a pipet. The instrument is also capable of x, y and z mapping along with depth profiling, capable in sub-micron resolution in all directions.
Technique
Raman spectroscopy is a spectroscopic technique that is used to identify the vibrational, and rotational modes of a material. A monochromatic light, such as a laser, is used to excite the molecules in the material. The monochromatic light interacts with the molecules leading to molecular vibrations, phonons or other excitation that occur through inelastic scattering of photons (also called raman scattering). This interaction results in energy of the laser photons being shifted up or down, giving the vibrational modes of a system. There are several variations of raman spectroscopy and one of them is Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS).
SERS is a surface sensitive techniques, where by the raman scattering of molecules on the metal surface is enhanced due to the excitation of localized surface plasmons (electromagnetic theory) or formation of charge-transfer complexes (chemical theory). The enhancement factor can be as much as 10E10 to 10E11, meaning that this technique can detect traces or individual molecules dispersed on metal surfaces.
Instrument
Capabilities
Highly automated confocal Raman microscope- Sub-micron spatial resolution
- 4 gratings (600, 1200, 1800, 2400 gr/mm)
- 2 lasers (532 nm, 633 nm)
- x10, x50, x100 objectives
- 4-notch filter selector
- Two and three dimensional mapping
- XYZ automated stage
- Duoscan and Swift options installed
Becoming a user of the Raman
1. Schedule training
- Basic Training: Standard operation and calibration of the microscope is covered in detail. Users are strongly encouraged to bring their samples to the training session. The training might take up to 3 hours. After training the user should demonstrate that he can run the instrument independently.
- Advanced Training: Mapping capabilities are covered in detail. At least 5 hours must be logged on the instrument before advanced training may be taken.
2. Complete the following forms signed by your advisor/PI with correct FRS number and are required to return to SAC before the training starts
3. Register on the NanoCenter website – once trained you will be able to sign-up for time
4. Raman training for each person will cost $100 in addition to the training hours billing.
Signup calendar
Click on register to create login
Rules for using the Raman instrument
1. Only authorized users (users after training) are permitted to use the instrument.
2. Users of the instrument are expected to keep the instrument neat and tidy.
3. Users are NOT permitted to disconnect connections or remove parts. If the user needs to make changes to the standard instrument setup, they need to contact Dr. Karen Gaskell.
4. Users are required to make a reservation if they need to use the instrument. Users are NOT permitted to use the instrument without a reservation.
5. Users are not permitted to use the instrument beyond the reserved time without extending their reservations, provided there is no one else reserved.
6. If you have made a reservation to use the instrument and if another user is occupying the instrument, you have the right to ask them to leave.
7. The user fee is half of regular one’s from 7 PM to 7 AM.
8. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these rules, please see Dr. Karen Gaskell.
Contact
Dr. Karen Gaskell
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry Room B0505
University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
Phone 301.405.4999 Fax 301.314.2600