Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

We request funds to procure a portable fiber-based, time-gated Raman (PF-TG-Raman) spectrometer to develop rapid, sensitive and reliable methods to analyze a variety of analytes, e.g., chemical hazards in agri-food, food adulterants, plastics, and biomarkers for diseases. Conventional Raman spectrometers suffer from the strong fluorescence background which impairs its sensitivity and reliability for analyzing auto-fluorescent (e.g., agri-food and biological samples) and coloured samples (e.g., plastics). In comparison, TG-Raman spectrometers avoid the fluorescent signals from the source by taking advantage of the difference in lifetime between Raman scattering and fluorescence, improving the sensitivity of Raman spectroscopic based analysis and broadening the application of Raman spectroscopy to samples with strong fluorescent signals. The effective fluorescence removal of TG-Raman spectrometer is achieved by utilizing a picosecond time-frame pulsed laser and a rapid, sensitive detector which only allow the signals of Raman scattering to be collected. There is currently no instrument with similar capabilities available at Carleton University. This PF-TG-Raman spectrometer is in an urgent need by researchers (i.e., 4 applicants and 4 confirmed users) across five academic units (i.e., Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Biochemistry, Systems & Computer Engineering, and Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering) that spans two Faculties (i.e., Science, and Engineering & Design) at Carleton University. Specific research themes to be supported by this advanced PF-TG-Raman spectrometer include: 1) identification of plastics and microplastics in food, environment and solid waste; 2) food authentication; 3) detection and quantification of chemical hazards in foods and environment; and 4) medical diagnostics. In additional to maintaining established research projects (e.g., NSERC DG), the requested instrument will also create new research collaborations and funding opportunities (e.g., NSERC Alliance) in the aforementioned research areas and beyond. Moreover, over 100 HQP in the applicants' and confirmed users' groups will acquire hands-on experience on the PF-TG-Raman spectrometer over the next five years, preparing them to be more competitive in the job market within and beyond academia. The requested instrument will be a critical workhorse for the next decade and will add great value to Carleton and its employees via HQP training and by promoting research excellence in several fields of science and engineering.