# Instrument Development: Spectral Fluctuation Raman Spectroscopy

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of California-Berkeley (CA) · $500,000

## Abstract

With the support of the Chemical Measurement and Imaging Program in the Division of Chemistry, Professor Hendrik Utzat of the University of California, Berkeley, is developing a new optical instrument to measure time-dependent fluctuations in the vibrational spectra of single molecules. These spectral fluctuations provide insights into how molecular bonds are distorted, how molecules interact with surfaces, and how polymer chains change conformation. However, especially fast fluctuations—on the nano- to millisecond timescale—have largely eluded quantitative measurement. Professor Utzat and his team will build an apparatus called Spectral Fluctuation Raman Spectroscopy (SFRS), which will enable precise measurement of Raman spectral fluctuations across a broad range of timescales, including those currently inaccessible with existing techniques. The data generated by this instrument will help researchers better understand molecular interactions, potentially leading to improved catalysts, functional materials, and pharmaceuticals. The project will contribute to building a competitive, quantum-literate U.S. workforce through training opportunities for high school and college students in spectroscopy, quantum optics, instrument engineering, and data science. 

Technically, the project integrates photon-correlation and interferometric methods into surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to quantify spectral fluctuations with sub-microsecond to millisecond resolution. The techni

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2506055
- **Awardee organization:** University of California-Berkeley (CA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** GS3YEVSS12N6
- **PI:** Hendrik Utzat
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE, NANO NON-SOLIC SCI & ENG AWD, COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE & ENGING
- **Estimated total:** $500,000
- **Funds obligated:** $500,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 08/15/2025 → 07/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2506055

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2506055, Instrument Development: Spectral Fluctuation Raman Spectroscopy. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-09 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2506055. Licensed CC0.

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