Chemists utilize new microscope
in studying samples outside of lab
By Ian Clift
Summer Reporter
Chemists at Purdue have a new weapon in their chemical-detecting
arsenal.
The instrument called a portable Raman imaging
microscope was invented to provide access to chemical information previously
unavailable.
"It's got a lot of promise," said Dor Ben-Amotz,
professor of chemistry. The microscope has the capability to provide
detailed chemical analysis of substance located in field locations.
Raman imaging microscopes, which use a laser to
"read" chemical data, have previously been available for the study of
compositions in laboratories, but the 40 pound portable device allows
scientists and technicians to perform tests, "where conventional analysis
would be impossible," Ben-Amotz said.
The instrument — created by SpectaCode, a
company located in the Purdue Research Park — has potential applications
in medical diagnostics, manufacturing processes, drug and explosive
detection and mining operations.
Ben-Amotz, vice president of SpectaCode, said that
the device would be useful in looking for trace chemicals in larger
bodies. "Looking for a chemical needle in the haystack is exactly what
this is ideally used for."
Future devices may be able to point to something
on the skin and find tumors, he said.
Ben-Amotz compared the working of his device to
a type of vision. "It isn't quite as sophisticated as chemical vision;
we are on our way," he said. "I don't doubt that the things you see
on Star Trek … will be available."
Ben-Amotz said, "If you've got somebody's clothing,
how do you find out whether they are in contact with a substance?" Devices
such as PRIM may be able to help with forensic and toxicology testing.
"The portability (of the device) is not like what
it will be in the future," He said. Future devices will be as small
as a lap top computer.
Two devices have already been built at Purdue.
Yanan Jiang, president of SpectaCode, said, "We just built one in the
laser facility for the chemistry department and also built one for chemistry
professor Mike Weaver."
Weaver uses the device to detect signal molecules
in his work to develop new chemical sensors.
Jiang expects public manufacturing to occur within
six months.
Ben-Amotz said, "It's nice to see your research
come to some practical use. If I die a poor man I'm not going to think
my life has been wasted."
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