Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Raman microscopy/spectroscopy will be used in a comprehensive research cluster consisting of eight collaborative research programs. In this application, we propose a unique approach by assembling a tailor-made Raman microscopy-spectroscopy system and using it in an Imaging Beamline at the Canadian Light Source synchrotron in Saskatoon. The proposed configuration will be flexible enough to allow for using the system as a stand-alone unit, as well. This equipment will be the only experimental arrangement in Canada offering on-line and in-situ Raman measurements in a synchrotron environment. Specifically, it will allow us to perform for the first time, real-time, simultaneous observations and measurements of solid-solid and solid-liquid chemical interactions at pressures up to 1.2 GPa and temperatures up to 1500 K. In addition, it will also be the only experimental system in Canada capable of quantitative remote and mapping measurements at a variety of wavelengths determined by both the synchrotron ligh and pre-selected lasers.We propose to purchase a new tailor-assembled Renishaw inVia Raman Microscope System (RMS). With the proposed equipment, the RMS will be distinctive in our respective fields of bioenergy, nanomaterials, high-pressure physics, information technologies, and synchrotron science. The RMS was chosen after careful consideration and rigorous verification that it will also be compatible with other analytical equipment available in the applicants' laboratories and at the Canadian Light Source. The key feature of this experimental arrangement is the capability of the simultaneous observation and quantitative analysis of the sample in well-controlled environment.