Sum-Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy

A homebuilt broadband sum-frequency generation (SFG) spectrometer provides vibrational spectra of buried (and exposed) interfacial monolayers. Real time feedback and control via motorized stages and mounts facilitate the study of complex interfaces evolving in time, while providing molecular scale insight into speciation, solvation, local electric fields, orientation and packing; complementing neutron and x-ray reflectometry techniques. Several sample environments are available to study a variety of interfaces, including: 

• Air/liquid sample environments with temperature control
• Electrochemical cells operating at applied potentials 
• Langmuir troughs for in situ surface compression with temperature control
• Solid-liquid flow cells
• Automated deposition for liquid-liquid interface and kinetics

Applications: 

• Polymer films
• Coatings
• Interfacial fouling
• Chemical reaction and kinetics
• Responsive soft materials
• Buried interfaces
• Chemical separations 

Specification: 

• IR spectral region: ~1000 cm^-1 to ~4000 cm^-1 (sample dependent)
• Nominal spectral bandwidth, c.a., 10 cm^-1
• Broadband detection with optional phase sensitivity (depending on sample)
• Sub-second kinetic measurements 
• Automated polarization and parameter scanning measurements