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

Vibrational spectroscopy, as provided by a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, is one of the triumvirate of basic techniques used by researchers in any Chemistry Department, along with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectroscopy (MS), to characterise and analyse new molecules and materials. The motivation for the present application arises from a critical need to develop a new and rapidly expanding area of research, one that requires that we monitor the mid- and near-IR optical properties of neutral radical based conductors as a function of pressure. The use of infrared spectroscopy to monitor structural changes in molecular compounds as a function of pressure has a long history. Our interest, however, lies not in the minutae of molecular vibrations but rather in the pressure induced changes in optical band gaps and Mott/metal activation energies that are associated with near-metallic molecular materials. In particular, we seek to establish that molecular radicals can be rendered metallic under relatively mild applied pressures. To this end the proposal requests funds to purchase an integrated package consisting of (i) a medium resolution FTIR spectrometer with mid- and near-IR capabilities, (ii) an optical microscope side-bench for single crystal analysis and (iii) a diamond anvil cell for pressure studies.