Dr. Michelle Bailey , Research Chemist at NIST and Alumna of the GW Department of Chemistry
Optical Spectroscopy for Laboratory Metrology and Applied Gas Analysis
The Department of Chemistry is pleased to present Dr. Michelle D. Bailey
Successful evaluation of gas composition relies on complementary efforts fromexperimental campaigns, laboratory metrology, and quantum chemistry theory. When these three areas work in concert, we significantly improve our ability to accurately describe sample composition and understand chemical behavior. Here I will discuss techniques employed in NIST’s Optical Measurements Group to perform precise gas sample analysis and provide reference-grade spectroscopic data that is critical for Earth and exoplanet observations, the semiconductor industry, and beyond. Topics will include cavity ring-down techniques that provide spectroscopic reference data that describe fundamental physical attributes of gaseous species. These parameters, including molecular transition intensity, are necessary for accurate spectroscopic modelling and can impact the accuracy of experimental retrievals. Further, I will discuss direct frequency comb spectroscopy (DFCS) methods which leverage a cross-dispersion approach for rapid and precise measurements over a broad spectral range. This presentation will highlight DFCS technique development and future measurements of nitrous oxide community reference materials which can be used for maintaining isotope abundance scales, a key metrology challenge when discerning and disseminating gas analysis results.
BIO
Dr. Michelle Bailey is a Research Chemist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland. She has over a decade of experience in optical system development for trace gas analysis spanning field-deployable systems to metrology-grade instruments. Her current work explores the use of mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers, optical frequency combs, and cavity-enhanced techniques for precision spectroscopy in static and dynamic chemical environments. She has also established interdisciplinary partnerships at NIST to demonstrate standoff optical spectroscopy methods in Wildland-Urban Interface Fire experiments to improve standard test methods. Outside of the lab, Dr. Bailey participates in scientific advancement efforts through co- organizing technical sessions at international and domestic meetings, volunteering at regional STEM events, and she holds international leadership roles as a Titular Member and Task Group co-Chair for Division VI of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).