Research Interests: (key words)

Micro- and nano-analytical chemistry (metrology): instrumentation, methodology and fundamental studies.

Micro- and nano-samples by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission and ICP-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The overall aim is to develop instrumentation, techniques and methodology for accurate and precise chemical analyses of micro- or nano-size samples. Example projects include analysis of single nano-particles, individual nano-volume cells and tiny amounts of metallo-enzymes (e.g., for metallomic applications), methods for rapid determination of the stoichiometry of quantum dots and other nanomaterials; molecular detection by atomic spectroscopy via immunoassays of element tagged antibodies; determinations in micro- or nano-size samples of other biological interest; collection and analysis of airborne particulate matter and determination of the chemical form of species (i.e., chemical speciation) and homogeneity of materials a-particle-at-a-time. To improve the quality of analytical data, to address resolution questions and interference problems and, in an attempt to make spectrochemical measurement systems smarter, mathematical methods are applied to chemical problems (i.e., chemometrics) and signal processing and artificial intelligence methods are used in a number of projects. 

Paradigm shift in classical chemical analysis: Taking the lab to the sample via micro-miniaturization. Is there a fundamental reason why minute amounts of sample should be measured using large-scale instruments (as is the typical case)? Making instrument-size compatible with the size of the sample leads to instrument miniaturization. Research in this area is aimed at making instruments smaller, cheaper, faster and smarter via integration of chip-based, low-power, shirt-pocket size smart-systems that can be used in the field (i.e., outside a laboratory). Example projects include development of chip-based micro-fluidic devices (e.g., MEMS) in a variety of substrates for inorganic, organic, biological (e.g., DNA) and clinical samples, micro-ITV for battery-operated micro-plasma devices (MPDs) as light or ion sources, micro optical or mass spectrometers that utilize portable, palm-size and wireless data-acquisition systems, and instruments on-a-chip. Efforts geared toward making micro-instruments smarter include integration of mathematical, signal processing and artificial intelligence methods. 

From micro to nano: Thinking smaller than micro leads to nano (i.e., nanoscience and nanotechnology).  As a founding member of the nanotechnology program at the University of Waterloo, I have many fundamental and applied research projects in this area.   Examples include development of nano-size photon and ion sources, such as nano plasma devices (NPDs) and nano-fluidic devices (e.g., NEMS) for sample processing and development of techniques and methodology for analysis of individual nanoparticles. 

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