What We Do
Research within the lab is driven towards providing complete analysis solutions for real-time, real-world problems. To this end, the Marquardt Lab is focused on developing analytical systems that measure samples without preparation on both an atomic and molecular level to allow for convenient and reproducible non-contact or non-invasive measurements. Another research focus is on the synthesis, implementation and optimization of optical sensing molecules into small, robust sensors for fast, reversible gas and liquid sensing applications. Our group is also heavily involved in the design, development and implementation of novel statistical methods for the real-time analysis and interpretation of the data generated from the sensors and analytical systems. The overall goal of our research is to better understand the optical sampling characteristics of various spectroscopic techniques to improve measurement precision and accuracy for enhanced modeling and control of dynamic and complex systems. The Applied Optical Sensing Laboratory is led by Dr. Brian Marquardt. He is a Principal Engineer at the Applied Physics Lab and an Affiliate Professor in Electrical Engineering who earned his PhD in 1997 in the field of Analytical Chemistry with emphasis on the application of both LIBS and Raman Spectroscopy. Dr. Marquardt has managed and funded an energetic research group for the past 12 years; providing optical solutions to a vast array of industrial and government sponsors. Dr. Marquardt specializes in providing total solutions to analytical problems through the appropriate use of sampling, measurement, engineering and statistical tools. The Marquardt Lab is comprised of three PhD level research scientists and three research engineers. Members of the lab bring unique and complimentary sets of skills to the group including: optics and spectroscopy, small sensor development and engineering, and multivariate statistical modeling. The Marquardt Lab has published a total of 34 peer reviewed publications and holds two active patents. The lab is very well equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation and supporting equipment for the interrogation of a wide array of sample types from enzymes to crude oil. When we encounter a problem that is not easily approached using equipment available ‘off the shelf’, we are equipped to design and produce prototype instrumentation ranging from small custom sensors for use in arterial stints to hardened instrument enclosures designed to withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures of hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor. The Marquardt group excels at providing robust, turn-key solutions to complex problems allowing improved assessment to increase system understanding and control.