Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) map of the barite surface showing dissolution etch pits.	Vertical Scanning Interferometry (VSI) map of the barite surface showing dissolution etch pits.

The current research of the Luttge group focuses on dissolution kinetics of mineral surfaces. We seek to quantify the kinetics of crystal dissolution through the use of vertical scanning interferometry (VSI). VSI measures dissolution rates by quantifying surface normal retreat. This technique combines a large field of view with a high vertical resolution. The resulting large exaggeration in the z-scale is important for quantifying nanoscale amounts of surface retreat.

Projects:

Defining how a Microbial cell senses and Responds to Redox-Active Environment; Interdisciplinary Studies of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

Microbial Impact on Carbonate Dissolution Kinetics

Computer simulations of the Dissolution of Crystalline Matter Using ab initio, Density Functional Theory and Monte Carlo Techniques.

Origins of Deviations from Transition-State Theory: Formulation a New Kinetic Rate Las for Dissolution of Silicates

Towards a Fundamental Understanding of Mineral Dissolution Kinetics: An integrated Experimental and Theoretical Approach

Barite Dissolution Kinetics

Surface Structure and Chemistry of Carbonate and Feldspar Minerals

Carbonate Dissolution Kinetics

Exploration of the possibilities and limitations for an increase of lateral resolution of a vertical scanning interferometer based on image processing techniques

The fate of Nanoparticles in the Environment

Understanding and prediction of cement hydration

Upgrade of the JEOL JSM-840 Scanning Microscope

In situ scanning interferometry (IS-VSI)

February 26, 2004