Spectroscopy Laboratory (SpecLab)
Who we are
The Spectroscopy Laboratory has a focus on vibrational spectroscopy techniques, Raman and infrared, enabling chemical characterisation and micron-scale mapping of solids, liquids and powders. Raman spectroscopy analyses molecular symmetry and provides fingerprint identification of molecules. It works well with water-based samples and those opaque to infrared radiation.The technique is sensitive to vibrations involving changes in polarisability.
This non-destructive technique uses light scattering to identify and map the chemical composition of various materials. FTIR spectroscopy provides information about functional groups present in a molecule and excellent for studying hydrogen bonding and carbonyl groups. It works well with solids and liquids. This technique identifies functional groups within molecules. UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy technique measures the absorption or reflection of light across the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions.
Funding partners:
Capabilities
Utilising the complementary strengths of Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, our lab provides definitive identification of a wide range of organic and inorganic materials, including polymers, minerals, and biological molecules by analysing their unique vibrational fingerprints and characteristic functional group signatures to determine their chemical composition and structure.
In-depth characterisation of various materials, including polymers (assessing crystallinity, blends, degradation), carbon nanomaterials (analysing structure and defects), and thin films, leveraging the sensitivity of Raman and FTIR to structural and chemical properties crucial for materials science and engineering.
Comprehensive micro-plastic analysis, employing high-resolution micro-FTIR and Raman microscopy to identify polymer types, characterise particle size and shape, and map their distribution in environmental samples, biological samples, and consumer products, contributing to crucial environmental research.
Our lab offers powerful tools for investigating biological samples, including mapping lipid and amino acid distribution within cells using Raman and FTIR microscopy, and quantifying biomolecules like nucleic acids and proteins with UV-Vis spectroscopy, providing insights into cellular processes and biomolecular interactions.
Our lab employs a suite of highly sensitive techniques, including Raman, micro-FTIR, and UV-Vis, enabling the detection and identification of trace amounts of substances and contaminants in various matrices, crucial for applications ranging from environmental monitoring to forensic analysis and quality control.
Instruments
-
1. inVia Reflex
The inVia Reflex is a research-grade Raman microscope that provides a versatile platform for various research needs, particularly those requiring high-quality data. It's a robust and capable Raman system suitable for a wide range of applications and laser options (532, 785, 830, and 1064 nm). This instrument features 1064nm excitation that offers significant advantages in terms of fluorescence reduction.2. inVia Qontor
The inVia Qontor is a research-grade Raman microscope designed with enhanced automation features for improved ease of use. This includes features like automated focus tracking (LiveTrack), automated measurement queuing, and streamlined software for more intuitive operation. It offers high-performance Raman spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, and a range of excitation laser options(325, 442 and 514 and 633 nm) for versatile research applications.3. inVia Qontor Hilmer
The inVia Qontor Hilmer is a research-grade Raman microscope located in the Hilmer building (E8). It prioritises ease of use with features like automated focus tracking and measurement queuing, while offering high-performance capabilities and a versatile range of excitation laser options (355, 532, and 830 nm) for diverse research applications. -
1. Spectrum Two
The Spectrum Two is a versatile Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer designed for a wide range of materials analysis. It offers several sampling accessories to accommodate various sample types, thicknesses and techniques including Universal Attenuated Total Reflectance (UATR), Transmission, Fixed-Angle Specular Reflectance, and Diffuse Reflectance.
2. Spectrum 100
The Spectrum 100 Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer provides a powerful platform for materials analysis, supporting a broad spectrum of applications. Its adaptable design features a variety of sampling accessories, including the highly versatile Universal Attenuated Total Reflectance (UATR) with both diamond and Germanium crystal options, alongside Transmission and variable temperature measurement capabilities, to handle diverse sample types and analytical needs.3. Spectrum 3 and Spotlight 400
The Spectrum 3/ Spotlight 400 is a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer fitted with a microscope, attenuated total reflectance (ATR) and transmission accessories with the flexibility to measure across mid and far infrared ranges. -
1. Lambda 365
The Lambda 365 is a double-beam UV-Visible spectrometer that measures light absorption from the visible to the ultraviolet region of 190 nm to 1100 nm (6.5 eV to 1.1 eV). A sample is usually made up to a known concentration in a non-absorbing solvent (such as water) and loaded into a quartz cuvette (available from the lab). Liquids, solutions and transparent solids can be measured. Note that we are not able to measure reflectance on this instrument.
2. Lambda 1050
The Lambda 1050 is a double-beam UV-Vis-NIR with a triple detector for maximum sensitivity across the available wavelengths from 175 nm to 3300 nm (7.1 eV to 0.4 eV). It can analyse a wide range of sample types from liquids, solutions, transparent solids, powders and thin films on substrates. Each sample type requires a different accessory, so contact the facility staff first to ensure the instrument is configured correctly.
Our people
Fees
-
Instrument training users Price Internal (UNSW and ADFA)
$50/session Institutional (other universities and government institutions)
$100/session ex-GST
Commercial
$200/session ex-GST - Instrument training users
Internal (UNSW and ADFA)
- Price
- $50/session
- Instrument training users
Institutional (other universities and government institutions)
- Price
$100/session ex-GST
- Instrument training users
Commercial
- Price
- $200/session ex-GST
-
Trained users Price Internal rate (all instruments)
$35/hour Institutional rate
$70/hour ex-GST
Commercial rate
$150/hour ex-GST - Trained users
Internal rate (all instruments)
- Price
- $35/hour
- Trained users
Institutional rate
- Price
$70/hour ex-GST
- Trained users
Commercial rate
- Price
- $150/hour ex-GST
-
Service users Price Internal
$100/hour Institutional
$150/hour ex-GST
Commercial
$250/hour ex-GST - Service users
Internal
- Price
- $100/hour
- Service users
Institutional
- Price
$150/hour ex-GST
- Service users
Commercial
- Price
- $250/hour ex-GST
- Contact the lab for an estimate of a service time
How to access
Advanced bookings for the sample service or instrument training should be made by email.
-
Instrument training and sample services require email bookings. Bring completed Registration and Risk Management Forms for training.
For enquiry of upcoming courses and workshops for Spectroscopy, please get in touch with Dr Anne Rich for details.
-
Training on the instruments and a sample service is provided by our Scientific Officer Dr Anne Rich and our Technical Officer Dr Brit David.
-
Lab users will be given relevant inductions and training by our professional staff, including our Risk Managment ans Safe Work Procedures. Upon completion, lab access will be granted and you can book instruments for independent use.
Contact us
Spectroscopy Facility
June Griffith Building (F10)
Ground Floor, Room G31
UNSW Sydney
Kensington NSW 2025
Phone: 02 9385 9795
Email: spec@unsw.edu.au
We like to hear from you. If you have questions, requests or ideas for collaboration, please complete the contact form and we will be in touch within five business days.
Resources
Get in touch about your project
We offer a range of services that can be tailored to your needs. Please send us an enquiry to get started.
