Fiscal Year:
2007
Title:
Molecular Shape Detection for Chemical Analysis
Agency / Branch:
DOD / ARMY
Contract:
W911NF-07-C-0091
Award Amount:
$100,000.00
Abstract:
Mass spectrometry is a technology with wide-ranging applications in defense and homeland security. The technique is widely applicable and exceedingly sensitive, but for many molecules there can be ambiguities regarding the isomeric and conformeric form. As the number of atoms in a molecule increases, the number of stable isomers raises dramatically. Recent research has shown that the binding energies of electrons in molecular Rydberg states are highly sensitive to the molecular shape, giving rise to a method to characterize molecular shapes using Rydberg states. In this project, the aim is to combine this Rydberg fingerprint spectroscopy with mass spectrometry, by measuring the Rydberg fingerprints of molecular ions, such as those in a mass spectrometer, using a newly developed detector. The two-dimensional output, with mass as one coordinate and the Rydberg fingerprint as the other, will find many uses in the identification of chemical and biological agents, explosives, environmental analysis, and industrial chemicals.
Small Business Information at Submission:
RYON TECHNOLOGIES
3 Davol Square Suite A301 Providence, RI 02903
EIN/Tax ID:
348720651
DUNS:
N/A
Number of Employees:
N/A
Woman-Owned:
No
Minority-Owned:
No
HUBZone-Owned:
No
Research Institution Information:
BROWN UNIV.
Department of Chemistry
324 Brook Street
Providence, RI 2912
Contact:
Norman J. Hebert
Contact Phone:
(401) 863-2777
RI Type:
Nonprofit college or university