Refining a Home Built Raman Spectrometer
Abstract
In 2018 student Rick Dorn and Dr. Jennnifer Zemke built a Raman spectrometer using 3D printed components, some purchased optical components, a laser pointer and parts repurposed from old, unworking instruments from the chemistry department. The goal of this previous project was to allow students to work with free space optics to create a working instrument within the Physical Chemistry II laboratory; however, the original design of the spectrometer had a few drawbacks: one is that each component of the instrument has too much freedom for the system to be adequately aligned and used within a 4-hour laboratory period. Thus, the system must be improved, and the alignment streamlined for it to be a viable component of the chemistry curriculum. The overall goal of this project is to streamline the alignment and enhance the performance of our home-built Raman spectrometer by redesigning specific component mounts and making adjustments to the optical line.1 Raman spectra of various substances including benzene, toluene and aqueous potassium ferricyanide will be collected and compared to previous spectra to evaluate design improvements.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Chemistry
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Jennifer Zemke
Location
Ballroom - Kryzsko Commons
Start Date
4-18-2024 10:00 AM
End Date
4-18-2024 11:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1b=10am-11am
Poster Number
32
Refining a Home Built Raman Spectrometer
Ballroom - Kryzsko Commons
In 2018 student Rick Dorn and Dr. Jennnifer Zemke built a Raman spectrometer using 3D printed components, some purchased optical components, a laser pointer and parts repurposed from old, unworking instruments from the chemistry department. The goal of this previous project was to allow students to work with free space optics to create a working instrument within the Physical Chemistry II laboratory; however, the original design of the spectrometer had a few drawbacks: one is that each component of the instrument has too much freedom for the system to be adequately aligned and used within a 4-hour laboratory period. Thus, the system must be improved, and the alignment streamlined for it to be a viable component of the chemistry curriculum. The overall goal of this project is to streamline the alignment and enhance the performance of our home-built Raman spectrometer by redesigning specific component mounts and making adjustments to the optical line.1 Raman spectra of various substances including benzene, toluene and aqueous potassium ferricyanide will be collected and compared to previous spectra to evaluate design improvements.
