Welcome to
the Advanced FT-IR User Facility
The discovery and development of novel biomaterials, pharmaceuticals, and functional molecules start with a foundational concept that requires a deep understanding of molecular structure. These complex materials must be rigorously characterized, and dynamic measurements are often needed to fully comprehend their functional mechanisms, stability, and interactions.
Finally, this molecular understanding is translated into real-world applications ranging from biomedical engineering to advanced materials science. Along this path, highly specialized analytical techniques, instrumentation, and expert knowledge must be efficiently integrated to rapidly advance state-of-the-art interdisciplinary research.
"To meet this critical need, the Advanced FT-IR User Facility was established to provide researchers with both seamless access to world-class spectroscopic infrastructure and the specialized expertise required for complex molecular characterization."
Core Spectroscopic Capabilities
Our facility specializes in a diverse range of advanced infrared spectroscopic techniques, allowing researchers to probe molecular structures and dynamics with exceptional precision.
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Precision FT-IR Absorption Spectroscopy
Utilizing specialized transmission cells (such as the AquaSpec) with a strictly fixed optical length for highly accurate, reproducible measurements of aqueous samples, soluble proteins, and buffer solutions.
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Temperature-Scan FT-IR Spectroscopy
Leveraging Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) technology to monitor temperature-dependent conformational changes, protein stability, and folding dynamics in real-time under precise thermal control.
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Time-Resolved FT-IR Spectroscopies
Offering advanced dynamic characterization techniques coupled with tunable Nd:YAG/OPO laser systems to capture fast molecular transitions, photocycle kinetics, and reaction pathways. Our specific capabilities include:
Rapid-Scan FT-IR
For continuous monitoring of non-cyclic or slower kinetic processes in the millisecond (ms) regime.
Step-Scan FT-IR
For highly sensitive, microsecond (µs) to nanosecond (ns) time-resolution of reproducible, light-triggered cyclic reactions.
Laser-Induced Difference
Capturing sensitive, static structural differences between light-activated and dark states of photoactive proteins.