Spectroscopy
When light uncovers molecular behavior
Spectroscopy research at UB uses light to understand how molecules and materials evolve. With techniques that span femtoseconds to hours, researchers investigate chemical structure, energy flow and molecular transformations in complex systems.
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Spectroscopy research addresses questions such as:
- How are molecular structure and function connected at the quantum level?
- How do molecules and materials respond to light and energy input?
- What processes govern chemical reactivity, energy transfer and charge transfer?
- How do excited states evolve in molecules, surfaces and nanostructures?
- How can spectroscopic signals reveal dynamics across vastly different timescales?
Spectroscopy research combines experimental measurements with computational analysis to determine chemical structure and dynamics. Researchers use a range of spectroscopic techniques to study inorganic complexes, biological macromolecules, polymeric films and nanostructured materials.
Time-resolved spectroscopy enables the study of chemical processes from ultrafast femtosecond events to slower transformations occurring over hours. Laser-based methods play a central role in probing excited states and tracking molecular evolution in real time.
Spectroscopy research at UB commonly includes:
- Structure and property determination of molecules and materials
- Time-resolved studies of chemical reactivity and molecular motion
- Spectroscopy of nanostructured materials and surfaces
- Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and advanced optical methods
- Energy and charge transfer in chemical and biological systems
Students can gain hands-on research experience and build skills that translate to careers in spectroscopy, materials science, energy research, nanotechnology, instrumentation and graduate study.