DOCSLIB.ORG

SDSU Template, Version 11.1

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
SDSU Template, Version 11.1 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY Sensitive Nonlinear Laser-Based Spectroscopic Studies of Chemical and Biological Agents for Biomedical and Security Applications A dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry by Marcel Michael Hetu Committee in charge: University of California, San Diego Professor Timothy S. Baker Professor Judy E. Kim San Diego State University Professor William G. Tong, Chair Professor Christopher R. Harrison Professor Roland Wolkowicz 2015 Copyright Marcel Michael Hetu, 2015 All rights reserved The dissertation of Marcel Michael Hetu is approved, and it is acceptable in quality and form for publication on microfilm and electronically: Chair University of California, San Diego 2015 iii DEDICATION To my family and friends who have supported me throughout my education iv TABLE OF CONTENTS SIGNITURE PAGE ........................................................................................................... iii DEDICATION ................................................................................................................... iv TABLE OF CONTENTS .....................................................................................................v LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .......................................................................................... viii LIST OF FIGURES .............................................................................................................x LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................... xiv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...............................................................................................xv VITA ............................................................................................................................... xvii ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION ........................................................................ xix CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................1 1.1 Laser-Based Analytical Chemistry ........................................................1 1.1.1 The Basics of Lasers ..................................................................1 1.1.2 Sensitive Laser-Based Analytical Methods .............................11 1.1.3 Laser Systems for Security Applications .................................20 1.1.4 Laser Systems in Biomedical Technology ...............................21 1.2 Nonlinear Laser Spectroscopy .............................................................22 1.3 Degenerate Four-Wave Mixing ...........................................................23 1.4 Dissertation Outline .............................................................................27 1.5 References ............................................................................................28 CHAPTER 2 THEORY ....................................................................................................31 2.1 Nonlinear Laser Wave-Mixing Spectroscopy ......................................31 2.1.1 Interference Pattern ..................................................................32 2.2 Laser-Induced Grating Formation........................................................34 2.2.1 Population Gratings .................................................................34 2.2.2 Induced Thermal Gratings .......................................................35 2.2.3 Degenerate Four-Wave Mixing Signal ....................................37 2.2.4 Forward-Scattering Four-Wave Mixing Signals in Liquids ....40 2.3 References ............................................................................................43 CHAPTER 3 EXPERIMENTAL SECTION ....................................................................44 3.1 Forward-Scattering Degenerate Four-Wave Mixing Optical Geometry..........................................................................................................44 3.2 Laser Sources .......................................................................................48 v 3.2.1 Passively Q-Switched Ultraviolet Laser ..................................48 3.2.2 Visible-Spectrum Diode Laser Systems ..................................49 3.2.3 Optically Pumped Semiconductor Laser .................................49 3.2.4 Laser Systems for Laser Wave Mixing ....................................50 3.3 Sample Cells ........................................................................................51 3.3.1 Capillary Fibers ........................................................................51 3.3.2 “Liquid-Sandwich” Quartz Cell ...............................................53 3.3.3 Capillary Electrophoresis .........................................................53 3.4 References ............................................................................................56 CHAPTER 4 LABEL-FREE DETECTION OF SMALL MOLECULES IN MICROFLUIDICS AND ON SURFACES USING UV LASER WAVE MIXING FOR SECURITY AND BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS .......................................................57 4.1 Abstract ................................................................................................57 4.2 Introduction ..........................................................................................58 4.3 Experimental ........................................................................................63 4.3.1 Wave-Mixing Detector for Capillary Electrophoresis .............63 4.3.2 Chemicals and Reagents ..........................................................64 4.4 Results and Discussion ........................................................................67 4.4.1 Detection of Nitroaromatic Compounds in a Capillary ...........67 4.4.2 Detection of Neurotransmitters in a Capillary ...................74 4.4.3 Detection of TNT Samples on Surfaces...................................82 4.5 Conclusions ..........................................................................................88 4.6 Acknowledgements ..............................................................................90 4.7 References ............................................................................................90 CHAPTER 5 SIZE-BASED SEPARATION AND DETECTION OF CELLULAR PROTEINS BY LASER WAVE MIXING SPECTROSCOPY AND CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS .......................................................................................................93 5.1 Abstract ................................................................................................93 5.2 Introduction ..........................................................................................93 5.3 Experimental ......................................................................................100 5.3.1 Wave-Mixing Detector for Protein Capillary Electrophoresis ...................................................................................100 5.3.2 Chemicals and Reagents ........................................................101 vi 5.3.3 Protein Labeling .....................................................................103 5.4 Results and Discussion ......................................................................104 5.4.1 Protein Labeling .....................................................................104 5.4.2 Separation Conditions ............................................................106 5.4.3 Optimization of Protein Separation .......................................112 5.4.4 Wave-Mixing Signal and Detection Limits ...........................120 5.5 Conclusions ........................................................................................123 5.6 References ..........................................................................................127 CHAPTER 6 DETECTION OF HIV-ASSOCIATED PROTEINS AND ANTIBODIES BY DEGERNATE FOUR-WAVE MIXING ..................................................................130 6.1 Abstract ..............................................................................................130 6.2 Introduction ........................................................................................130 6.3 Experimental ......................................................................................136 6.3.1 Wave-mixing Detector and Capillary Electrophoresis for HIV Capsid and Antibody Detection .........................................................136 6.3.2 Chemicals and Reagents ........................................................138 6.3.3 Protein Labeling .....................................................................139 6.4 Results and Discussion ......................................................................140 6.4.1 Detection of ELISA Products by Laser Wave Mixing ..........140 6.4.2 Antigen Labeling Using Chromophore and Fluorophore Protein Tags 142 6.4.3 Size-Based Separation and Limit of Detection for HIV-1 p24 Capsid Using FITC ............................................................................145 6.4.4 Size-Based Separation and Limit of Detection for HIV-1 p24 Capsid Using QSY 35 ........................................................................149 6.4.5 Nonlinear Dependence of Wave-Mixing Signal in p24 Separations .........................................................................................152 6.4.6 Reaction of p24 with Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies Monitored by Laser Wave Mixing .....................................................152
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Book of Abstracts
    Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Problems of Chemical Physics RAS Joint Institute for High Temperatures RAS XIII International Conference on Physics of Non-Ideal Plasmas September 13 | 18, 2009, Chernogolovka, Russia Book of Abstracts Chernogolovka 2009 The book consists of the abstracts of oral and poster contributions to the XIII International Conference on Physics of Non-Ideal Plasmas (September 13 | 18, 2009, Chernogolovka, Russia). The Conference continues a tradi- tional series of meetings devoted to new theoretical and experimental results on the physics of dense non-ideal plasmas: Martzlow-Garwitz, 1980; Wus- trow, 1982; Biesenthal, 1984; Greifswald, 1986; Wustrow, 1988; Gosen, 1991; Markgrafenheide, 1993; Binz, 1995; Rostock, 1998; Greifswald, 2000; Valen- cia, 2003; Darmstadt, 2006. The following questions are covered: statistical physics and mathematical modeling (including simulation) of strongly cou- pled Coulomb systems, equilibrium properties and equation of state of dense plasmas, kinetics, transport and optical properties of dense Coulomb systems, dense hydrogen, laser and heavy-ion-produced plasmas, dense astrophysical plasmas, phase transitions in plasmas and fluids, dusty plasmas. The conference is held under financial support of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russian Foundation for Basic Research (grant No. 09 { 02 { 06154Γ), and Dynasty Foundation. Contents 1 Statistical physics and mathematical modeling of strongly cou- pled Coulomb systems 16 1.1 Mathematical simulation of kinetic processes in the non-ideal nuclear-excited dust plasma of the noble gases Budnik A.P., Deputatova L.V., Fortov V.E., Kosarev V.A., Rykov V.A., Vladimirov V.I., JIHT RAS . 16 1.2 Diagnosics of dense plasmas via transport and optical proper- ties Reinholz H., Raitza T., R¨opke G., Wierling A., Winkel M., U.
    [Show full text]
  • Micro-Cavity Fluidic Dye Lasers
    Micro-Cavity Fluidic Dye Lasers M.Sc. Thesis Bjarne Helbo Student Number: c960336 Supervisors: Anders Kristensen and Aric Menon Mikroelektronik Centret (MIC) Technical University of Denmark (DTU) November 2002 Abstract i Abstract The work described in this masters thesis deals with development, fabrication, and optical characterization of micro-cavity fluidic dye lasers. The wide band fluorescence of organic dyes make them suitable as the active gain media for tunable dye lasers. Decreasing the laser cavity size down to the micron level makes dye lasers suitable for integration with existing bio/chemical microsystems. Theory for organic dyes is presented together with basic laser theory. The theory is used for explaining the behavior of the fabricated devices. Two types of micro-cavity fluidic dye laser devices were fabricated based on two dif- ferent micro-fabrication schemes. The devices were vertical emitting with fixed lasing wavelength. The initial device was a microfluidic channel defined with an KOH etch of silicon. The bottom (100) plane of the etched silicon channel was used as a deposition surface for a gold/chromium mirror. The etched surface was not smooth enough for mirror purpose and the following anodic bonding of a glass lid on the top made the surface even more rough. Due to thermal heating from the anodic bonding process the metals diffused into the silicon substrate and left the surface dull and rough, not suitable for optical mirrors. A cw argon ion laser (488 nm) was used for optical pumping of a Rhodamine 110 dye dissolved in ethanol, which was pumped through the microfluidic laser cavity.
    [Show full text]
  • Solid State Laser
    SOLID STATE LASER Edited by Amin H. Al-Khursan Solid State Laser Edited by Amin H. Al-Khursan Published by InTech Janeza Trdine 9, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia Copyright © 2012 InTech All chapters are Open Access distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license, which allows users to download, copy and build upon published articles even for commercial purposes, as long as the author and publisher are properly credited, which ensures maximum dissemination and a wider impact of our publications. After this work has been published by InTech, authors have the right to republish it, in whole or part, in any publication of which they are the author, and to make other personal use of the work. Any republication, referencing or personal use of the work must explicitly identify the original source. As for readers, this license allows users to download, copy and build upon published chapters even for commercial purposes, as long as the author and publisher are properly credited, which ensures maximum dissemination and a wider impact of our publications. Notice Statements and opinions expressed in the chapters are these of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of the editors or publisher. No responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of information contained in the published chapters. The publisher assumes no responsibility for any damage or injury to persons or property arising out of the use of any materials, instructions, methods or ideas contained in the book. Publishing Process Manager Iva Simcic Technical Editor Teodora Smiljanic Cover Designer InTech Design Team First published February, 2012 Printed in Croatia A free online edition of this book is available at www.intechopen.com Additional hard copies can be obtained from [email protected] Solid State Laser, Edited by Amin H.
    [Show full text]
  • Part 2: Laser in Pulsed Operation
    Part 2: Laser in pulsed operation 1 Theoretical principles 1.1 Generation of short laser pulses The output power of existing continuous wave laser systems is between a few milliwatts (He-Ne lasers) and a few hundred watts (Nd or CO2 lasers). However, there is a possibility to increase the output power of the laser for a small period of time by pulsed laser operation. Solid-state lasers are particularly suitable for this purpose, as they can achieve pulse peak output powers of up to 1012 W. This value corresponds approximately to the average electrical energy generation of the entire world. The difference, however, lies in the period in which this performance is achieved. While all the power plants together reach this value continuously, a single laser produces this high output power only for a duration of 10−13 s. In this case, the extremely short pulse duration appears to be disadvantageous, but there are also applications which exactly require this. One example is laser ablation, which is a method in material processing. Here, a small volume of material at the surface of a work piece can be evaporated if it is heated high enough in a very short amount of time. On the other hand, supplying the energy gradually would allow the heat to be absorbed into the bulk of the piece, never attaining a sufficiently high temperature above the evaporation point of the material. Other applications rely on the very high peak pulse power to obtain strong non-linear optical effects, like it is necessary for efficient second-harmonic generation or for optical parametric oscillators (OPO) which converts an input laser wave into two output waves of lower frequencies.
    [Show full text]
  • A Laser (From the Acronym Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) Is an Optical Source That Emits Photons in a Coherent Beam
    LASER A laser (from the acronym Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is an optical source that emits photons in a coherent beam. The verb to lase means "to produce coherent light" or possibly "to cut or otherwise treat with coherent light", and is a back- formation of the term laser. Laser light is typically near-monochromatic, i.e. consisting of a single wavelength or color, and emitted in a narrow beam. This is in contrast to common light sources, such as the incandescent light bulb, which emit incoherent photons in almost all directions, usually over a wide spectrum of wavelengths. Laser action is explained by the theories of quantum mechanics and thermodynamics. Many materials have been found to have the required characteristics to form the laser gain medium needed to power a laser, and these have led to the invention of many types of lasers with different characteristics suitable for different applications. The laser was proposed as a variation of the maser principle in the late 1950's, and the first laser was demonstrated in 1960. Since that time, laser manufacturing has become a multi- billion dollar industry, and the laser has found applications in fields including science, industry, medicine, and consumer electronics. Contents [hide] 1 Physics 2 History 2.1 Recent innovations 3 Uses 3.1 Popular misconceptions 3.2 "LASER" 3.3 Scientific misconceptions 4 Laser safety 5 Categories 5.1 By type 5.2 By output power 6 See also 7 Further reading 7.1 Books 7.2 Periodicals 8 References 9 External links [edit] Physics See also: Laser science Principal components: 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Amplified Spontaneous Emission Properties of Semiconducting Organic Materials
    Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2010, 11, 2546-2565; doi:10.3390/ijms11062546 OPEN ACCESS International Journal of Molecular Sciences ISSN 1422-0067 http://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/ Review Amplified Spontaneous Emission Properties of Semiconducting Organic Materials Eva M. Calzado 1, Pedro G. Boj 2 and María A. Díaz-García 3,* 1 Departamento Física, Ingeniería de Sistemas y Teoría de la Señal and Instituto Universitario de Materiales de Alicante, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante-03080, Spain; E-Mail: [email protected] 2 Departamento Óptica and Instituto Universitario de Materiales de Alicante, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante-03080, Spain; E-Mail: [email protected] 3 Departamento Física Aplicada, Unidad asociada UA-CSIC and Instituto Universitario de Materiales de Alicante, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante-03080, Spain * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: [email protected]; Tel.: +34-965903543; Fax: +34-965909726. Received: 7 May 2010 / Accepted: 10 June 2010 / Published: 18 June 2010 Abstract: This paper aims to review the recent advances achieved in the field of organic solid-state lasers with respect to the usage of semiconducting organic molecules and oligomers in the form of thin films as active laser media. We mainly focus on the work performed in the last few years by our research group. The amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) properties, by optical pump, of various types of molecules doped into polystyrene films in waveguide configuration, are described. The various systems investigated include N,N´-bis(3-methylphenyl)-N,N´-diphenylbenzidine (TPD), several perilenediimide derivatives (PDIs), as well as two oligo-phenylenevinylene derivatives. The ASE characteristics, i.e., threshold, emission wavelength, linewidth, and photostability are compared with that of other molecular materials investigated in the literature.
    [Show full text]
  • CW Ndryag LASER Martin David Dawson, B.Sc
    CHARACTERISATION AND APPLICATION OF A MODE-LOCKED (MODE-LOCKED/Q-SWITCHED) C.W. NdrYAG LASER Martin David Dawson, B.Sc., A.R.C.S. A Thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of London and for the Diploma of Membership of Imperial College Optics Group Blackett Laboratory Imperial College of Science and Technology M a r c h 1985 London SW7 2BZ DEDICATION To Mam, Dad and Pam ABSTRACT A synchronously operated (Synchroscan) picosecond streak camera has been used in a direct time-resolved study of laser emission from a GaAs/(GaAl)As double heterostructure laser pumped by 514-nm Ar ion laser pulses of duration close to the ^ 60ps Fourier-transform limit. Semiconductor laser pulsewidths as short as 20ps were recorded and the dependence of the temporal characteristics of these pulses on average pump power was investigated. Optical pulses of similar wavelength (532nm) to those obtained from the Ar ion laser, but having considerably shorter duration (^30ps), have been generated by frequency doubling the output of a mode-locked continuous wave (c.w.) Nd:YAG laser using Type II phase­ matching in a KTiOPOi* (K.T.P.) crystal. High doubling efficiencies (a.10/6 average power conversion) were achieved. These pulses have been used to synchronously pump a Rhodamine 6G jet-stream dye laser, whose performance is compared to its Ar ion 514nm-pumped counterpart. The mode-locked c.w. Nd:YAG laser itself has been thoroughly characterised and various changes made to improve the short and long term stability of the output. Simultaneous Q-switching of this laser at repetition rates ^ 1kHz, both with and without prelasing, has been investigated in detail using streak cameras.
    [Show full text]
  • LASER Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation
    LASER Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation Principle and applications The process which makes lasers possible, Stimulated Emission, was proposed in 1917 by Albert Einstein. No one realized the incredible potential of this concept until the 1950's, when practical research was first performed on applying the theory of stimulated emission to making lasers. It wasn't until 1960 that the first true laser was made by Theodore Maimam, out of synthetic ruby. Many ideas for laser applications quickly followed, including some that never worked, like the laser eraser. Still, the early pioneers of laser technology would be shocked and amazed to see the multitude of ways that lasers are used by everyone, everyday, in today's worlds Ordinary light laser light :- 1. directional 2. coherent 3. high intensity 4. Monochromatic Properties of LASER light • Monochromaticity: Properties of LASER light • Directionality: Conventional light source Beam Divergence angle (θd) • Highly Intense: since highly directional, coherent entire output is concentrated in a small region and intensity becomes very high I = (10/ λ)2 P P= power radiated by laser Properties of LASER light Incoherent light waves coherent light waves Laser History • Was based on Einstein’s idea of the “particlewave duality” of light, more than 30 years earlier • Invented in 1958 by Charles Townes (Nobel prize in Physics 1964) and Arthur Schawlow of Bell Laboratories • The first patent (1958) MASER = Microwave Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation • 1958: Schawlow, A.L. and Townes, C.H. – Proposed the realization of masers for light and infrared got Nobel prize 1917: Einstein, A. - Concept and theory of stimulated light emission 1948: Gabor, D.
    [Show full text]
  • Module 1-1 Elements and Operation of a Laser
    1 MODULE 1-1 ELEMENTS AND OPERATION OF A LASER 2 (1) The laser is a light source that exhibits unique properties and a wide variety of applications. Lasers are used in welding, surveying, medicine, communication, national defense, and as tools in many areas of scientific research. Many types of lasers are commercially available today, ranging in size from devices that can rest on a fingertip to those that fill large buildings. All these lasers have certain basic characteristic properties in common. (2) This module discusses the basic properties that distinguish laser light from other light sources and the essential elements required to produce this unique light. The lasing process is examined briefly, and several of the terms used to describe and characterize the process are introduced. In the laboratory section, the student will become acquainted with the basic safety procedures for the operation of a low-powered helium-neon gas laser and will identify the components of that laser. (3)The student should take particular note that this module is designed to introduce all of the concepts to be studied in this course. Each topic covered here is discussed in greater detail in later modules. Upon completion of this module, the student should be able to: 1.1 Define the following properties of laser light: o 1.1.1 Monochromaticity. o 1.1.2 Directionality. o 1.1.3 Coherence. 1.2 Define the following terms that relate to the lasing process: o 1.2.1 Photon. o 1.2.2 Wavelength. o 1.2.3 Atomic ground state.
    [Show full text]
  • The Dipole Project: Towards High Energy, High Repetition Rate Diode Pumped Lasers
    The DiPOLE project: towards high energy, high repetition rate diode pumped lasers Contact [email protected] Klaus Ertel, Saumyabrata Banerjee, Paul Mason, Jonathan Tristan Davenne, Michael Fitton, John Hill, Andrew Phillips, Phil Rice, Steph Tomlinson, Christian Sawyer, Lintern Steve Blake, Cristina Hernandez-Gomez, John Collier Engineering Technology Centre, STFC Rutherford Appleton Central Laser Facility, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, OX11 0QX, UK Chilton, Didcot, OX11 0QX, UK Introduction Gain material selection DiPOLE stands for Di ode Pumped Optical Laser for The starting point was the identification of the most suitable Experiments. It is a new project at the CLF to develop the gain material. This material needs to provide: foundations of novel high energy, high average power laser • A long fluorescence lifetime to minimise the number of systems based on diode pumped solid state laser (DPSSL) pump diodes required technology. Compared to conventional systems, this approach promises dramatically increased repetition rates (and hence • Good thermo-mechanical properties to handle the high average powers) at significantly higher electrical-to-optical average power conversion efficiency. DiPOLE has been included as an • Reasonably high gain cross section to enable uncomplicated emerging opportunity in the Research Councils UK Large and efficient energy extraction Facilities Roadmap [1]. • The possibility to be manufactured in large sizes to handle Motivation the high pulse energy. Laser amplifiers capable of producing energetic ns-pulses are Ytterbium (Yb) as an active laser ion offers very long one of the main tools for laser plasma research and high-energy fluorescence lifetimes, a low quantum defect (pump wavelength applications.
    [Show full text]
  • Owned Patent for Publication in the STAR
    National Aeronautics and Space Administration ‘Washmgton. 0 C 20546 TO : CASI/Thelma Mosley FROM : GP/Jean Riordan SUBJECT: NASA-Owned Patent for Publication in the STAR The enclosed NASA patent is presented for abstracting and publication in the STAR. Issue Date: --4a Patent Number: q/aKf7v9 NASA Case Number: Me/977a-/ Government or Contractor Inventor: Thank you. ean Riordan Enclosure (1) I11111 11111111 Ill 11111 11111 11111 lllll1111111111111111111111ll1ll111111111ll US005 128949A United States Patent [ii] Patent Number: Barnes [45] Date of Patent: Jul. 7, 1992 METHOD AND CIRCUIT FOR IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics, vol. QE-17, CONTROLLING THE EVOLUTION TIME No. 9 (Sep. 1981), pp. 1656. INTERVAL OF A LASER OUTPUT PULSE Primary Examiner-William L. Sikes Inventor: Norman P. Barnes, Tabb, Va. Assistanr Examiner-Robert E. Wise Assignee: The United States of America as Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Harold W. Adams; George F. represented by the Administrator of Helfrich the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, D.C. 1571 ABSTRACT Appl. No.: 359,4450 The invention, a method and circuit for controlling the evolution time interval of a laser output pulse, com- Filed: May 31, 1989 prises means for pumping a laser medium 13 in a resona- Int. ................................................ HOlS 3/10 tor 10 that includes a Q-switch 22 and polarizer 26 that US. Cl. ......................................... 372/25; 372/30 act in combination to control the loss in the resonator Field of Search .................................... 372/25, 30 10. A photodiode 11 senses the resulting fluorescence 12 which is applied to a two level Q-switch driver 27 the References Cited output of which selectively adjusts the level of loss in PUBLICATIONS the Q-switch 22 and polarizer 26 from high to interme- Koechner, Solid State Laser Engineering, pp.
    [Show full text]
  • University of Florida Thesis Or Dissertation
    CHARACTERIZING STRUCTURE REARRANGEMENT AND FRAGMENTATION KINETICS FOR BIOMOLECULES IN GAS PHASE BY SPECTROSCOPY By NING ZHAO A DISSERTATION PRESENTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 2016 © 2016 Ning Zhao To my family ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am very appreciating that I have had the opportunity to pursue the Ph.D. in chemistry from University of Florida. First I would like to thank my wife Chen Cao for her love and the new family member Claire Zhao. I would thank my parents and my parents in law for their unending support and encouragement. I am so grateful for everything they give me. Respecting to my research, I would sincerely thank my advisor Dr. Nick Polfer. Because not only he provides me interesting projects and teaches me think research more deeply, but also his standard requirement and critics push me to improve myself everyday. His kind personality always encourages me to overcome the research problems and has truly been a huge influence on my growth as a scientist and person. It is such a great honor to be a member of the Polfer group. Also, I would like to thank all the Polfer group members in past or in present. Almost everyone gave me direct helps and advices for my research. I learned so much experimental techniques and theoretical knowledge from Dr. Kerim Gulyuz, Dr. Corey Stedwell, Dr. Amanda Patrick, Dr. Yanglan Tan and Da Wang. From the direct teaching from Corey, I learned from how to use SOLIDWORKS to design staff to how to conduct experiments.
    [Show full text]