Facilities

LPN-PPPL is equipped with advanced laser diagnostics for in-situ characterization of plasma and monitoring of nanoparticle growth and transport in plasmas, including high-speed pyrometry imaging, Laser-induced Fluorescence (LIF), Laser-induced Incandescence (LII), and Coherent Rayleigh-Brillouin Scattering (CRBS).

CRBS diagnostic is unique for detecting of nanoparticles of less than nm scale and up to ~ 10's nm in gas phase synthesis environments. LII is applicable for detecting of nanoparticles of larger than 10's nm in gas phase synthesis environments.

For ex-situ evaluation of plasma synthesized nanomaterials, LPN-PPPL scientists use Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and BET measurements for surface area determination in the Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials (PRISM) and by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and other surface analytical techniques in Koel’s labs at PPPL and at Princeton University (Koel's lab at Princeton University).

For synthesis of nanoparticles and nanostructures, LPN-PPPL is equipped with multiple reactors, including atmospheric pressure DC arc discharges and capacitively coupled plasma reactors.

New nanolab space at PPPL (RF 103) (1,500 square feet). This state-of-the-art laboratory space was built to satisfy specific needs and requirements for nanomaterials synthesis and treatment. It can accommodate all proposed experimental set ups and in-situ diagnostics for simultaneous real-time measurements during synthesis experiments. The labspace is equipped with the air handling and filtration systems, vacuum exhaust ports, and chemical hoods needed to work with nanoparticles safely. The lab is also equipped with the required AC power, IT services, and cable trays.