My research focuses on new ways of detecting chemicals, using various ionization techniques.

IMS (Ion Mobility Spectrometry)

We have constructed a laser ion mobility spectrometer, which uses an ultraviolet laser beam to ionize sample molecules, which are then 'sorted' according to their gas phase mobilities. Another ongoing project involves the coupling of a corona discharge ionization source with an IMS for portable applications. We are in the process of constructing a preconcentration 'puffer' portal (similar to those used at airports) for interfacing with our IMS instrumentation.

(Brendon O'Leary '11 demonstrates his LIBS analysis software)

LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy)

LIBS is an exciting (and relatively new) technique in which a laser is used to create a small amount of plasma (superheated gas) from a sample. This plasma consists of excited atoms, which have been liberated from the molecules of the original sample. When these superheated atoms cool off, they release photons characteristic of their atomic structure. While LIBS does not give much information about molecular connectivity within a sample, the combined 'fingerprint' of the atoms can be used to identify molecules with extreme accuracy.