Acquisition of Imaging Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer

Kent State University, Kent OH

Investigators

Abstract

With support from the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program, the Department of Chemistry at Kent State University will acquire an imaging Fourier transform infrared (FTIF) spectrometer. This instrument will support research in a number of areas, including a) the development of IR imaging for monolayers at the air/water interface and the characterization of phosphoinositide/protein interactions; b) the investigation of liquid crystal/polymer interactions; c) the characterization of biofilm formation in the environment; and d) the development of new methods of multi-dimensional data analysis. The general effectiveness of Fourier transform spectroscopic techniques in academic and industrial research has been firmly established. Many advanced spectroscopic courses now routinely include the teaching of FT spectroscopy. Imaging technology is extremely important for the characterization of advanced materials in industrial research, and focal plane array IR imaging is becoming increasingly popular in industrial analytical laboratories.