Objective "Laser ablation underpins a number of key analytical techniques employed in materials, biopharmaceuticals, security, forensics,environmental monitoring, etc. These techniques inlcude laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and matrix assisted laser desorption ionization with time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). LIBS allows elemental classification/quantification by analyzing the radiation emitted from a plasma formed on a sample material. In LA-ICP-MS plume constituents are transported to a plasma torch before being introduced to a mass spectrometer for elemental and isotopic mass identification. In MALDI-TOF-MS, a bio-molecule of interest, e.g. a protein is fixed in a protective matrix at low relative density and irradiated by an intense laser pulse. The main objective of this proposal is to substitute the usual single plasma plume with a stagnation layer formed at the collision front between two counter-propagating plumes which can provide significantly greater species-of interest density, temperature, plume shape control. The research programme spans fundamentals to application. The unique expertise I bring to Europe is in laser plasma diagnostics and modeling that will be brought to bear on the DCU colliding plasmas programme leading to a real enhancement in current LIBS/LA-ICP-MS and MALDI performance. In addition I intend to extend the work on interactions with femtosecond lasers and short wavelength free electron lasers (FELs) through the collaborations that the DCU group have with DESY Hamburg and LCLS-Stanford. I aim to become expert in ultrafast lasers and their interactions with matter so that I can bring this expertise back to India from where I hope to continue the collaboration with DCU and other European partners as the scientific base in India expands to embrace these leading edge technologies." Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticslaser physicsultrafast lasersnatural scienceschemical sciencesanalytical chemistrymass spectrometrynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IIF - Marie Curie Action: "International Incoming Fellowships" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IIF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) Coordinator DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY EU contribution € 191 359,80 Address Glasnevin 9 Dublin Ireland See on map Region Ireland Eastern and Midland Dublin Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact John Costello (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data