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Primary research areas of expertise in the Branch
include molecular reaction dynamics, mass spectrometry and ion chemistry,
chemical and biological sensor and instrumentation development, microbiology
and molecular biology based research, and carbon cycling in marine and
estuarine environments. A central focus of the Branch involves development
of experimental analytical, chemical and biological capabilities with
theoretical and modeling support for experimental studies; this work is
applied to both short-range Navy problems, technology needs of both DOD
and National concern, and to the long-range development of scientific
expertise and knowledge relevant to future Navy and DOD missions. Recent
publications are listed on the home page.
The Branch is a center of expertise in chemical and biological detection
associated with industrial processes and terrorism. Development of detection
devices such as laboratory-on-a-chip, DNA- and antigen-based assays is
complimented by strong efforts in data mining and chemometric tools. Analytical
expertise is directly applicable to combustion diagnostics, infrared decoy
performance, explosives detection, and atmospheric life support systems.
An ultra fast dynamics group uses laser probes to characterize chemical
processes and reactions taking place on the femtosecond time scale.
The Branch has very strong capabilities in analytical methods and techniques
development. This analytical chemistry expertise, which is focused upon
the detection, identification and quantification of hazardous/toxic materials,
forms the basis for the Branch being recognized as a center of expertise
for monitoring workplace gas phase hazards and as a National center of
expertise for enclosed life support systems. In addition to gas phase
programs, scientific expertise is also focused on trace metal specification
in complex solutions including sea water. The use of novel trace metal
sequestering agents and fiber optics allows for specificity and in-situ
sampling.
The Branch has a strong commitment to a wide range of microbiology and
molecular biological thrusts. We conduct basic and applied research in:
- Biogeochemical influence on methane hydrate formation and carbon cycling
in fresh, estuarine and littoral marine environments;
- Biological contribution to organic contaminant natural attenuation
in military and industrial harbors;
- Organic contaminant source and fate;
- Deep ocean carbon sequestration; and
- Microbial influences corrosion and metal reduction.
Major scientific facilities in the Branch include: several tandem mass
spectrometers, matrix assisted laser desorption ionization - time-of-flight
(MALDI-TOF) and quadruple mass spectrometers; ion trap mass spectrometers
and a triple quadruple mass spectrometer system with solid, gas and liquid
sampling capabilities. These and other mass spectrometers are also interfaced
to gas chromatographs and lasers to enhance their capabilities. The Branch
has numerous laser fluorescence-laser spectroscopy systems which are employed
to study photochemistry and reaction kinetics/mechanisms. They are also
employed as diagnostic instruments such as nonlinear optical spectroscopy,
laser fluorescence and infrared absorption. Lasers, in combination with
molecular beam systems, are used to study the complex gas phase reactions
of such materials as cluster materials and the fundamental dynamics of
unimolecular chemical processes. The Branch has a state-of-the-art cellular
and molecular biology facility equipped with flow cytometers, surface
plasmon resonance, epi-fluorescence and fluorescence in-situ hybridization
microscopy.
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