Spectroscopy
Our Spectroscopy laboratory is equipped with an FT-IR spectrometer with various attachments (including ATR) and a microscope, a UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer, a fluorescence spectrometer, and a spectrometer for dynamic light scattering (DLS).
- Spectroscopic measurements
- Hands-on education in the use and application to assess spectral properties of solutions, thin films and solids
- Bench and fume hood space to prepare the samples
- Collaborative research opportunities
- Data interpretations and recommendations
- Full-service and self-service options
- Support in academic courses
- Specialized workshops
- Agilent (Cary) UV-Vis-NIR: Equipped with VASRA or Variable Angle Specular Reflectance Accessory that is used with thin films at angles from 20 to 70 degrees; Praying Mantis diffuse reflection analysis of solids and powders.
- Edinburgh FS5 spectrofluorometer:
- Light source: 150 W xenon lamp
- Excitation monochromator: 200-1000 nm; Emission monochromator: 200-1000 nm
- Reference, Transmission and Emission detectors (230-870 nm spectral range for emission)
- Fluorescence lifetime capability (TCSPC – Time Correlated Single Photon Counting)
- TCSPC sources: EPLED 320nm, 365nm, 450nm, and 650nm LEDs, and EPL 510nm pulsed diode laser
- Temperature controlled sample holder and solid sample holder
- Integrating sphere for quantum yield measurements
- Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZS: With 633nm ‘red’ laser- for size measurement of particles and molecules (e.g. proteins) dispersed in a liquid (using dynamic light scattering, DLS); zeta-potential of colloids and nano particles for predicting dispersion stability (using electrophoretic light scattering); and the measurement of microrheology of protein and polymer solutions. The high performance of this instrument also enables the measurement of molecular weight of macromolecules.
- Nicolet iS-50 FT-IR spectrometer: With ATR-ZnSe for thin films, powders and liquids; Harrick Grazing Angle Reflectance Accessory for thin films on metal or semiconductor substrates; Gemini Diffuse Reflectance Accessory for non-reflecting powder materials.
For Training on self-service instruments:
- Request to join the ARC User Team by clicking here
- Please read our ARC user guidelines and take the necessary quizzes.
- Then follow the training and user instructions on the Optical Spectroscopy Training.
Training has a minimum charge of one hour of instrument and staff time.
Rates can be found here
Please use the iLab Portal to request a formal quote for equipment use or services.
Acknowledgment of facility contributions is expected in publications that include any data generated in the facility. Please cite us by our Research Resource ID (RRID:SCR_021758).
An example of an appropriate acknowledgment is:
“The authors wish to thank the Analytical Resources Core (RRID: SCR_021758) at Colorado State University for instrument access, training, and assistance with sample analysis”
Scientific Staff:
Dr. Indrani Bhowmick: UVVis, DLS and Fluorimeter services, training and class support.
Dr. Ethan Crace: FTIR services, training and class support.