We develop "efficient" instrumental systems for Trace Element Analysis. We explore ideas and optimize the performance by employing various spectroscopy
theories, radiation and atom sources, sample introduction devices, and optical components.
Molecular Spectroscopy
We take advantage of and use the intense atomic emission available in high-energy
electrical plasma, as the "self-tuned" radiation source for high-resolution molecular
excitation.
Single Molecule & Single Nano-particle Spectroscopy and Detection
We employ three systems:
Levitating-Microdroplet -- a microdroplet, typically 10 micrometer in diameter, is electrodynamically suspended
in mid-air. The single molecules or nano-particles in the droplet are laser-excited
for detection and analysis.
Nano-stream -- a slow-flowing narrow stream, typically of 3 micrometer in diameter, is electrically
generated with a high voltage. The single molecules or nano-particles in the probe
-volume is laser-excited for detection.
Droplets-mist – a mist of droplets, having an average droplet-diameter of 3 nm is generated with
a glass-frit disk. Each droplet contains single molecules and the cloud of droplets
provides a high fluorescence emission for detection.
Polymer Brush Synthesis
We wish to make and characterize a DNA-brush on glass substrate. When long-chain polymers
are very close, with one end stick on substrate, they stand straight up in the z-orientation,
resembling a "brush".
Nano-Particle Photonics
We synthesize dry single polymer molecules and single quantum (dots, rods, tubes,
wires) particles in the z-orientation, on glass substrate. The photonic properties
of these solid particles have shown much improvement over those in solution or in
other orientations.
Fast Nanoparticles Synthesis
We employ a mini graphite cup furnace for generating metal-oxide nanoparticles within
one minute. A few milligrams of a metal powder are deposited in the graphite cup which
is electrically heated to ~1000 degree for 10 seconds. The condensed vapor collected
reveal nanoparticles in the shape of nanowire.