# Collaborative Research: Using Nonlinear Light Scattering to Unravel the Chemical Effects in Surface Enhanced Spectroscopy

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Notre Dame (IN) · $326,617

## Abstract

With support from the Chemical Structure and Dynamics (CSD) program in the Division of Chemistry, Professors Jon Camden at the University of Notre Dame and Lasse Jensen at Pennsylvania State University are combining sophisticated experimental and computational approaches to disentangle the relative contributions of electromagnetic and chemical enhancements in surface-enhanced spectroscopy.  While it has been known for half a century that chemical effects play an important role in surface enhanced spectroscopies, a comprehensive understanding of these contributions remains elusive.  Furthermore, employing current theoretical methods to predict the magnitude of chemical enhancements can be in error by several orders of magnitude, limiting their utility.  Therefore, Professor Camden, Jensen, and their students will employ a non-traditional approach to understanding the chemical enhancement mechanism by combining experimental measurements using nonlinear spectroscopy with newly developed theoretical methods for calculating the nonlinear response properties.  Their discoveries could advance the use of surface-enhanced spectroscopy by enabling high-quality predictions of the chemical enhancements and the rational design of molecular systems that maximize the spectroscopic response of molecules at surfaces.  This work will additionally support a STEM teacher residency program and tools for visualizing molecular vibrations for the undergraduate chemistry curriculum, which will enable

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2503669
- **Awardee organization:** University of Notre Dame (IN)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FPU6XGFXMBE9
- **PI:** Jon Camden
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** NANO NON-SOLIC SCI & ENG AWD
- **Estimated total:** $326,617
- **Funds obligated:** $326,617
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2503669

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2503669, Collaborative Research: Using Nonlinear Light Scattering to Unravel the Chemical Effects in Surface Enhanced Spectroscopy. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2503669. Licensed CC0.

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