Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

We are requesting funds to purchase a console for a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer. The console is the part of the spectrometer which generates, detects, and records the magnetic signals from a solid material. Our current instrument is nearly 20 years old, is obsolete by multiple generations, and due to recent failures, cannot do many of the measurements we need for our research programs. Because the current console is so out-of-date, the failures can no longer be repaired. Other parts of the spectrometer, including the magnet, amplifiers, and probes, remain operational. We have used and wish to continue to use this instrument, as it forms a critical component for a wide variety of research programs. These include determination of glass structure for application in optical and fibre optic devices; development of new biomedical implants; study of biomaterials, including spider silk; and fundamental studies of chemical reactivity. This instrument is used broadly, not only at Dalhousie University and Saint Mary's University, but also to serve other academic labs both in Canada and internationally, and numerous industrial clients. It is used substantially as well in HQP training for these various user bases. The loss of this instrument would be a serious set-back to all these programs, while with the modest investment of at RTI grant, its life can be significantly prolonged.