Kenneth M. Beck
Senior Research Scientist, WR Wiley Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Chemistry & Physics of Complex SystemsCurrent Activities and Projects
Our activities include working with laboratory collaborators on photo-induced processes in solids, nanocomposite thin films, geologic interfaces, and biological samples. Primary projects involve photo-stimulated desorption of atomic and molecular species from alkali halides and simple oxide single crystals in order understand the underlying dynamics of electron-hole pair and exciton formation and evolution.
Additional projects involve: (1) Physical study of the MALDI process and its applications to eubacterial spore proteome analysis and high spatial resolution of microbial structures; (2) Synthesis and characterization of Pt/TiO2 nanocomposite materials; (3) X-ray microprobe imaging studies of heavy metal uptake at the basalt-caliche(hardpan) interface in Columbia River basin geologic samples. physical study of the MALDI.
Research Interests
Our interests revolve around understanding the physical and chemical processes in laser irradiated wide band gap materials and bio-compounds. Laser desorption mass spectrometry (LDMS) is one scheme being explored for the characterization and identification of chemical contaminant species at Hanford such as found in waste tanks. Its success depends upon knowing fundamental laser/solid interaction parameters, which we are capable of obtaining. Other techniques employed in our research include high-resolution spectroscopy of atomic and molecular species, femtosecond photo-stimulation of materials, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS), and time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
Past Experience
- Asst. Professor of Chemistry and Physics, University of Central Florida, 1991-1995
- Affiliated Faculty, Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers (CREOL)
Education
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Ph.D. Chemistry, 1988
- University of Illinois at Chicago, M.S. Chemistry, 1985
- Northwestern University, B.A. Physics/Astronomy
