Scope and Objectives

To design and fabricate an instrument (aerodynamic lens) to tightly collimate beams of nano/microparticles. To design and fabricate a high resolution mass and imaging spectrometer for real-time analysis of the chemical composition of aerosols with designed mass resolutions of m/delta m of 700, upto a mass of 800 amu., with fast response rates upto 10 Hz or better. To develop a large through put method to fabricate microstructures with resolutions of better than 0.5 mm using the aerodynamic lens system.

Deliverables

1. An aerodynamic lens for concentrating nanoparticles to beams in vacuum. -- DONE
2. A prototypical Aerosol Mass Spectrometer based on the aerodynamic lens. -- DONE
3. A method in additive microstructuring applying spatially contained nanoparticle beams. -- STARTED

Videos

Scientific Output

The very first results from aerodynamics lens "Review of Scientific Instruments 88, 023301 (2017)" is already out. The paper is about the fabrication of a mesoscopic particle generation and its interaction with the Intense ultrashort laser. The interaction produces plasma and the plasmas are a source for high brightness, short burst of X-rays, electrons, and high energy ions. Laser energy absorption and its disbursement strongly depend on the laser parameters and also on the initial size and shape of the target. The ability to change the shape, size, and material composition of the matter that absorbs light is of paramount importance not only from a fundamental physics point of view but also for potentially developing laser plasma sources tailored for specific applications. In addition, we have developed a high resolution mass spectrometer which completely built indegenously and will be utilised for various applications such as aerosole air quality analysis, early disease detection though various bio-markers.

Results and outcome till date

1. Carefully Designed the lens using fluid dynamics simulation. 2.Successfully fabricated and assemble the lens 3.Fabricated the mass spectrometer 4. Assembled the spectrometer and integrated detection units. We also have tested for the detector signals and acquired first mass spectrum 5. Developed data acquisition software in-house.

Societal benefit and impact anticipated

The mass spectrometry is the primary analysis required to tag the element or chemicals. It is most popular in air analysis for defense mines detection and in heath sector blood/bio sample analysis which can detect the disease at a very early stage. Building mass spectrometer in house and providing the system to the hospitals and various labs at reduced cost may reduce the cost of sample analysis. Importing cost of mass spectrometers is substantially high. We, however, have made the mass spectrometer in house which costs 1/4 - 1/5 (without compromising over the quality) of the the ones available in the international market.

Next steps

We are yet to couple our innovating aerodynmic lens based sample delivery system to the mass spectrometer. Next few months we will be working on coupling the systems.

Publications and reports

Review of Scientific Instruments 88, 023301 (2017)

Patents

NA

Scholars and Project Staff

Mr. Sanket Sen, PhD - for three years

Challenges faced

Importing detectors from abroad takes a lot of time.

Other information

NA