Development of an Adaptive Optics Platform for Spectroscopy

Digital Micromirror Array (DMMA) device can orient mirror segments to form any pattern of reflective elements.

Learn how to design and build a new spectrometry instrument that uses adaptive optics principles to make chemical measurements. 

Project description

Adaptive optics systems utilize advanced computer control to manipulate optical components in order to improve the fidelity of optical measurements. In this project, the student will work with advanced optical components like deformable mirror arrays and digital micromirror array devices to construct and test a new type of optical spectrophotometer. You will learn about optical systems simulation, instrumental development, and experimental spectroscopy. 

Project outcome

The project goal is the development of this unique instrument, the project goal for each student is defined by the student and mentor at the initiation of the project. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment 6-9 months
Start time Spring (January/February)
Summer (May/June) 
In-person, remote, or hybrid? In-person 
Level of collaboration Individual student project
Benefits Academic credit
Who is eligible Juniors & Seniors who are current or perspective Chemistry majors 

Project mentor

Steven Ray

Undergraduate Researcher

Chemistry

Phone: (716) 645-4241

Email: sjray2@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

View the following video primer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8l8p62JhH6o

View the video on adaptive optics:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck9dn36ykk4

View video on deformable mirrors:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnoKBD6BJD4

Download and read the following paper:

Kelsey L. Williams, George C.-Y. Chan, Steven J. Ray,
The use of a digital micromirror array as a temporal gate and spatial-filtering device for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and laser ablation molecular isotopic spectrometry,
Spectrochimica Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy,
Volume 179,
2021,
106116,
ISSN 0584-8547,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sab.2021.106116.

Keywords

Analytical Chemistry