Muhlenberg College student Iffat Imran, Class of 2020, a biochemistry major with a math minor, conducted research at the college this summer.

Working with Assistant Professor of Chemistry Justin Sparks, Imran of Orefield was uncovering new ways to view chemical reactions by manipulating the optical and molecular characteristics of a molecule.

Through the use of photolithography, a process of coating a space in polymer and gold, Iffat was able to view light passing through in different ways.

After inserting the molecules in question into the space, Iffat created a polariton - a molecule with photon and molecular properties.

“The research in this relatively new optical field provides a means to view chemical reactions in a different way, providing more options in obtaining a desired product,” Imran said. “Summer research has provided me with the opportunity to work in a lab setting with another researcher, aiding in the improvement of my interpersonal skills.”

In addition, Imran and three student researchers are co-authors with Sparks of a recently published paper in American Chemical Society Photonics.

The article, “Tuning Vibrational Strong Coupling with Co-Resonators,” was published Sept. 13.