The main objective of this project is to
design and build the innovative CORaHE (COld Raman HEad) sensor for deep-UV
Raman spectroscopy, to operate under cold environments between ?30 and ?5 °C.
This portable sensor will perform non-destructive micro-Raman measurements of
cold samples, without any limitation in size. The CORaHE sensor has been
designed to cover the absence of technology to perform such measurements,
either in laboratory or in the field, on sensitive samples having
temperatures as low as ?30 °C. Samples will not be destroyed like it is
done currently with the use of cryocells. For laboratory analysis, the sensor
will be placed inside a cold laboratory (from ?30 and ?5 °C) while the
Raman spectrometer and the computer control of the motorized X-Y-Z microscopy
stage will be set outside, at room temperature. For field works in cold
environments, the spectrometer will be placed in a thermic box at 15–20 °C.
The envisioned scientific and industrial
applications for short-medium term include the characterization of: ice-core
climate records, snow and permafrost samples, clathrate hydrates, organic
trapped chemicals or clays and other hydrated minerals, as well as industrial
applications in the field of: low-temperature molecular electronics, frozen
food, protection from ice in future robotic missions to icy worlds.
The new CORaHE sensor can be used not only
in cold environments but also at room temperature, enhancing its use to broad
areas of application. Such areas are those covered currently by Raman
spectroscopy but with the enhanced capabilities of the Deep-UV excitation.
The detection and/or quantification of
inorganic and organic chemical compounds with the new sensor will contribute
to all of the societal challenges, with important benefits for the European
society and their citizens, for example the new deep-UV CORaHE sensor will
be:
a)
A more sensitive and healthier sensor than other Raman sensors
currently used for diagnosis in medicine.
b)
A more powerful device in the detection of prohibited
chemicals in surfaces of foods, agriculture soils and forestry products.
c)
A standard for quality control of chemicals used in batteries
and devices for energy accumulation.
d)
the tool to check
microelectronic based devices for control of the transport systems.
e)
A critical technology to easily characterize environmental
atmospheric particulate matter, biofilms, minerals and organics.
f)
The tool to enhance Raman spectroscopy as the preferred
analytical technique to diagnose the conservation state of cultural heritage
materials, from both movable and immovable assets, due to its low impact on
the precious surfaces under analysis.
g)
One of the best sensors to detect explosives and chemical
hazards in public spaces.
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