Interfacial Nonlinear Laser Spectroscopy and Dynamics Post-doctoral Opportunity
(with apologies for cross-posting)
A position is available in the vibrational spectroscopy and dynamics of
molecular species at liquid interfaces, in particular related to Acid-Base
Equilibria at Mineral-Water Interfaces. There are also opportunities to
contribute to the development of novel infrared sources for nonlinear
spectroscopy.
The Borguet group has received a grant from the American Chemical Society
Petroleum Research Fund (ACS-PRF) to investigate the acid-base chemistry of
aqueous-mineral interfaces. We propose to use an in situ, surface-specific
method; vibrational Sum Frequency Generation (SFG), to measure the mineral
surface OH-group concentration directly, in the presence of OH groups of the
aqueous medium. This is a non trivial challenge. Their proposed experiments
will use a
novel ultra-broadband, infrared optical parametric amplifier (OPA) developed
in the group.[1] This OPA will provide IR photons to enable the simultaneous
acquisition of SFG spectra over >2000 cm-1 of bandwidth. This work is
important for understanding geochemical environments and has potential impact
in optimizing enhanced oil recovery.
Initial measurements for the silica-aqueous interface indicate that we can
indeed distinguish the surface silanol groups from the interfacial water
species. Our preliminary results indicate that is possible to follow the
protonation-deprotonation chemistry that is key to understanding the acid-base
chemistry of aqueous-mineral interfaces. Our first studies will focus on
silica aqueous systems, but will be extended to other important mineral
interfaces, including alumina and iron oxide. We will probe the effect of pH,
ionic strength and temperature on the acid base chemistry, as well as the
effect of the various ionic and neutral, organic and inorganic species,
thatmight be encountered in geochemical environments.
1. Generation of Ultra-Broadband Pulses in the Near-IR by Non-Collinear
Optical Parametric Amplification in Potassium Titanyl Phosphate Oleksandr
Isaienko and Eric Borguet
Optics Express, 16 (6), 3949-3954 (2008)
Familiarity with ultrafast lasers is strongly desired, and a knowledge
femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy is a plus.
Candidate should preferably have experience with vibrational sum-frequency
and/or second harmonic generation from interfaces. Expertise in the following
areas would be useful; surface chemistry, self-assembled monolayers, sensors,
electrochemistry,.
A strong record of publication in peer-reviewed literature attesting to
these capabilities is required. Additional responsibilities include
training and supervision of students, and preparation of reports and
manuscripts for publication. Ph.D. in Chemistry, Physics or related
discipline, awarded in the last five years, is necessary. A strong background
in physical/surface chemistry is desirable.
Temple University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer, and specifically invites and encourages applications from women
and minorities (AA, EOE, m/f/d/v.).
Interested candidates should send a CV to:
Dr. Eric BORGUET
Department of Chemistry
130 Beury Hall
Temple University
1901 N. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
USA
[log in to unmask]
http://www.temple.edu/borguet/
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