Colloquium

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Clemson University, Kinard Lab of Physics, G01, Lecture Hall

Thursday, November 8, 4:00 pm

Patrick O'Rourke

Savannah River National Laboratory

Application of Physics to Spectroscopic Instrument Development

Abstract: Physics is a science which attempts to explain and predict fundamental phenomena by quantifiably observing interactions and mathematically modeling them.  Understanding of phenomena is further enhanced when models are refined by observations under conditions which challenge model assumptions.  Knowing model assumptions and limitations is key to this process. This talk will examine this process in the design of spectroscopic instrumentation used to measure species in nuclear-chemical processing.

Bio Sketch: Dr. Patrick  O’Rourke is an Advisory Scientist in the Analytical Development Directorate at the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL).  His primary specialties are optical spectroscopy, fiber optic chemical sensors, and chemometric data analysis.  He holds 15 patents in the field of fiber optic spectral sensors and has extensive industrial experience in the design, development and marketing of spectroscopic instruments and sensors for real-time support of manufacturing processes. Products developed include compact, high performance, multi-spectral UV-VIS fiber optic spectrometers, extreme temperature and pressure fiber optic probes for chemical monitoring, high reliability attenuated total internal reflection fiber optic sensor platform, and chemometric analysis tools for the automated interpretation of spectroscopic data.

Refreshments will be served after the presentation in the P&A Café.