NASA missions have used lasers to study the gases in Earth’s atmosphere. Lasers have also been used in instruments that map the surfaces of planets, moons, and asteroids.

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Scientists have even measured the distance between the moon and Earth using lasers! By measuring the amount of time it takes for a laser beam to travel to the moon and back, astronomers can tell exactly how far away it is!

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Lasers are also used in instruments called spectrometers. Spectrometers can help scientists figure out what things are made of. For example, the Curiosity rover uses a laser spectrometer to see what kinds of chemicals are in certain rocks on Mars.

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This animation shows a representation of the different wavelengths present in sunlight. When all of the different wavelengths (colors) come together, you get white light. Image credit: NASA

Thrust III: COMPUTER-ASSISTED INSTRUCTION: Computational science is used to demystify abstract chemistry concepts using grant – supported facilities in TU 119 (Computational Chemistry Laboratory. (http://science.hamptonu.edu/chem/comp_lab.cfm) and FITW facilities inn TU 237.  Additionally, we are investigating the efficacy of problem based learning and simulation based learning in the development of critical thinking skills in the STEM disciplines (particularly, chemistry).

Thrust I:MATERIALS DESIGN, SYNTHESIS, AND PROPERTIES EVALUATION: Our research efforts focus on the applications of computational chemistry / molecular modeling to problems in chemistry (molecular and electronic structure and property calculations, elucidation of organic reaction mechanisms; structure activity relationships in natural products and other compounds with significant medicinal and biological activities, and materials science (structure – property relationships in multichromophoric systems, molecular and electronic properties of nanostructured supramolecular assemblies – materials for imaging and electronics). Ab initio, semi-empirical and Monte Carlo simulations methods are used to study the electronic (linear and nonlinear optical properties) as well as the molecular properties of azo-, imine- and vinylene-bridged furan, pyrrole, and thiophene-based organic semiconductors.  Our present focus is on the theoretical studies of organic semiconductors. Overall, projects in these areas are interdisciplinary; involving computation, a wide range of synthetic methodology, and spectroscopic techniques. (2) Hydrogen bonding plays an important role in molecular self-assembly. We are investigating the quantitative role of the hydrogen bond in the aggregation process as well as developing structure – property relationships for multi-functional and multichromophoric materials. (3) Calculations of nonlinear optical properties of supramolecular donor-acceptor systems (Collaboration with Professor JaeTae Seo of the Physics Department). The materials being studied could be possible candidates for a broad range of applications – optoelectronic devices, telecommunications, quantum computing, photodynamic therapy, etc.

The letters in the word laser stand for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser is an unusual light source. It is quite different from a light bulb or a flash light. Lasers produce a very narrow beam of light. This type of light is useful for lots of technologies and instruments—even some that you might use at home!

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This is a picture of Martian soil before (left) and after (right) it was zapped by the Curiosity rover’s laser instrument called ChemCam. By zapping tiny holes in Martian soil and rock, ChemCam can determine what the material is made of. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/LANL/ CNES/IRAP/LPGN/CNRS

INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:   Instructional activities include teaching undergraduate courses in organic and physical chemistry, and graduate courses in physical chemistry and spectroscopy.  Representative courses include: .  Undergraduate Research (CHE 114, 214, 314, 315, 414, 415), Organic Chemistry I, II (CHE 301, 302 – Laboratory and/or Lecture), Physical Chemistry I, II (CHE 401, 402 – Lecture and Laboratory), Molecular Spectroscopy (CHE 505) – Graduate, Advanced Physical Chemistry I, II (CHE 613, 614) – Graduate, Pre-Med Chemistry I, II (MSD 621, 622), Thesis Research (CHE 650, CHE 681).  We are also involved in modernization of the  Physical Chemistry Laboratory Curriculum with the introduction of experiments in laser and Raman spectroscopies using facilities at the Graduate Physics Research Center (GPRC).

Because laser light stays focused and does not spread out much (like a flashlight would), laser beams can travel very long distances. They can also concentrate a lot of energy on a very small area.

Each color of light has a different wavelength. For example, blue light has a shorter wavelength than red light. Sunlight—and the typical light from a lightbulb—is made up of light with many different wavelengths. Our eyes see this mixture of wavelengths as white light.

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RESEARCH:  Experimental Physical Chemistry – Laser Spectroscopy (materials characterization); Matrix Isolation Spectroscopy; Computational Chemistry applications to problems in chemistry, biology and materials science; Computer-Assisted Instruction / Simulation Based Learning.

Lasers have many uses. They are used in precision tools and can cut through diamonds or thick metal. They can also be designed to help in delicate surgeries. Lasers are used for recording and retrieving information. They are used in communications and in carrying TV and internet signals. We also find them in laser printers, bar code scanners, and DVD players. They also help to make parts for computers and other electronics.

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Thrust II: ELUCIDATION OF ORGANIC REACTION MECHANISMS:  We are applying ab initio and semiempirical methods  to investigate organic reaction mechanisms of interest. We are presently continuing our investigations of the photochemical and thermal decomposition channels of small organic acids.

Dr. Edmund Moses Ndip Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry Location: Turner Hall 317 Phone: 17577275396 E-mail: edmund.ndip@hamptonu.edu Expertise: Physical Chemistry, Computational Materials Science, Molecular Spectroscopy, Computer Assisted Instruction

A laser is different. Lasers do not occur in nature. However, we have figured ways to artificially create this special type of light. Lasers produce a narrow beam of light in which all of the light waves have very similar wavelengths. The laser’s light waves travel together with their peaks all lined up, or in phase. This is why laser beams are very narrow, very bright, and can be focused into a very tiny spot.