Laboratory for Environmental Spectrochemistry

The Laboratory for Environmental Spectrochemistry (LESC) develops spectroscopic methods to understand the chemical composition of environmental samples. Our current research focuses on using mid-infrared radiation to identify and quantify chemical components in aerosols – particles suspended in air. These measurements can provide rich chemical information at relatively low cost, but acquiring and interpreting them presents several challenges: interfaces and condensed-phase interactions affect how light interacts with the sample, complex chemical mixtures produce overlapping spectral features, and the tiny amounts of material available can approach the limits of detection.

We address these challenges through two complementary approaches: developing instruments to separate and concentrate samples for measurement, and building models to interpret the resulting spectra. Through collaborations with partners around the world, we connect emerging spectroscopic technologies with applications in aerosol research and environmental monitoring.