Spectroscopy and Diffraction

Additional Information

A suite of spectroscopy and diffraction instruments in EMSL allow users to study solid-, liquid-, and gas-phase sample structure and composition with remarkable resolution. Ideal for integrated studies, spectrometers and diffractometers are easily coupled with EMSL's computational and modeling capabilities, allowing EMSL users to apply a multifaceted research approach for experimental data interpretation and to gain a fundamental understanding of scientific problems. At EMSL, spectroscopy and diffraction instruments are used to study samples with a wide range of applications.

Electron spectroscopy – Achieving nanoscale spatial resolution, EMSL users can study the elemental composition, structural properties, and chemical state of materials with applications to thin films, nanomaterials, catalysis, biological and environmental sciences, corrosion, and atmospheric aerosols.
Electron backscatter diffraction – EMSL offers three-dimensional reconstruction and characterization of microstructures in environmental and material science samples using focused ion beam-electron backscatter diffraction analysis.
Infrared spectroscopy – Infrared spectra can be obtained for a host of different samples. For example, spectra have been obtained to study vitrified glass, clays and minerals, aqueous samples, bacteria, and aerosol particulates.
Ion/molecular beam spectroscopy – Ideal for the study of complex materials, beam capabilities are applied to analyses of thin films and interfaces, studies of radiation effects in solids, ion beam synthesis of nanostructures, and atmospheric aerosol characterization.
Mössbauer spectroscopy – Versatile and highly sensitive, EMSL users can apply Mössbauer capabilities to obtain information about the valence state, coordination number, and crystal field strengths for a wide range of samples, such as iron oxides in soils and sediments, catalysts, and iron-doped glasses.
Optical spectroscopy – Fluorimetry, stopped-flow absorbance, and coupled confocal-Raman tools allow analysis of samples with applications to biology, radiochemistry, and catalysis. For example, EMSL's optical spectroscopy tools have been applied to study novel uranium mineral phases and to conduct spatially resolved measurements of stress at the molecular level.
X-ray diffractometers – General purpose and specialized systems, including single-crystal and microbeam capabilities, allow phase analysis of polycrystalline samples and powder specimens, analysis of epitaxial thin films, protein structure determination, and studies of problematic small inorganic molecules.

Capability Detail

Refer to the table below for a full listing, which leads to complete information about each of EMSL's spectroscopy and diffraction instruments. Brief details about some primary spectroscopy and diffraction tools available to EMSL users immediately follow.

Electron spectrometers with Auger, high spatial and energy resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrospray ionization capabilities
Various electron microscopes with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction capabilities
Fourier transform infrared spectrometers with visible, near-, mid- and far-infrared capabilities
Ion accelerator system equipped with gas and sputter ion sources, a 3.0-MV electrostatic tandem ion accelerator, three beam lines, and end stations used for materials modification and analysis using mm- to µm-size ion beams
Five Mössbauer spectroscopy systems with both velocity transducers and transducers for conversion-electron Mössbauer spectroscopy as well as applied field and sources for ⁵⁷Fe and ¹⁵¹Eu studies
Optical spectroscopy tools including confocal-Raman, time-resolved fluorescence, circular dichroism, stopped-flow absorbance, laser-induced breakdown, and second harmonic generation capabilities
Multiple X-ray diffraction instruments with sealed tube, rotating Cu or Cr anodes; micro-focus capability; variable temperature capability; as well as CCD and image plate detection

Microstructures of ZnO Films Deposited on (0001) and r-cut α-Al₂O₃ Using Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (Sapphires & Sunscreen)
A Fast Analysis Technique to Evaluate Scintillation Response (Let There Be Light Yield)
Experimental Studies of Heterogeneous Gas-to-Particle Reactions Using Novel Particle-on-Substrate Stagnation Flow Reactor Approach (What Are the Chances?)
The Synergy Between Molecular Theory and Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy (Model System for NMR)
A New Mechanism for Ozonolysis of Unsaturated Organics on Solids: Phosphocholines on NaCl as a Model for Sea Salt Particles (Up in the Air)