John J. Freeman

Research Scientist - Optical Spectroscopy
Ph.D., The University of New Mexico, 1963

Dr. Freeman is a physical-analytical chemist with a background in applications of optical spectroscopy to the structural characterization and quantitative analysis of a wide range of materials. Together with his colleagues, Jill Pasteris , Brigitte Wopenka and Alian Wang , he uses the laser Raman microprobe as well as FTIR , fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning laser confocal microscopy techniques in characterizing samples of interest. These studies included being a member of a project for Raman spectroscopy in situ on the sea floor – a study in collaboration with Monterey Bay Area Research Institute to develop and apply a Raman spectrometer for in situ measurements in the deep ocean. Dr. Freeman now assists the Planetary Surface Materials research Group in the development of Raman and Infrared spectrometers for the in situ identification of minerals on extra-terrestrial planetary surfaces.

Dr. Freeman’s current research interests in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences include:

Molecular structural characterization of micrometer-sized phases in terrestrial, lunar, and meteoritic samples e.g., natrolite, zeolites, kornerupines, extraterrestrial apatites, feldspars, and phyllosilicates.

Application of laser confocal microscopy in fluorescence or epireflection modes to generate 3D images of inclusions, micro-fractures, and other micrometer-sized phases and features in mineral specimens.

Development of infrared and Raman spectrometers for in situ identification of minerals in remote locations.

Before coming to Washington University, Dr. Freeman worked in the following areas:

Science Fellow, Corporate Research, Monsanto Company, St. Louis, MO (1965-1993), where he applied infrared, Raman, optical absorption, optical fluorescence, and circular dichroism spectroscopies to the quantitative determination and/or structural characterization of a wide range of materials including among others:

  1) Structural characterization of synthetic catalysts and gases adsorped on the catalyst surface.

  2) Development of on-line, laser Raman process control systems.

  3) Characterization of polymers and synthetic fibers.

  4) Determination of secondary structure distributions of protein samples.

  5) Quantitative determinations of very low level elemental substitutions in single crystals of semiconductors.

Director, Confocal Imaging Center, Pediatric Research Institute, Cardinal Glennon Hospital, St. Louis, MO (1994-1997), where he established an imaging service facility using laser scanning confocal microscopy. The facility is used to support the medical research programs of the staff of the Pediatric Research Institute and of St. Louis University Health Sciences Center.

White, S. N.; Dunk, R. M.; Peltzer, E. T.; Freeman, J. J.; Brewer, P. G. (2006) In situ Raman analyses of deep-sea hydrothermal and cold seep systems (Gorda Ridge and Hydrate Ridge). Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems 7, Q05023 DOI 10.1029/2005GC001204.

Arvidson, R. E.; Poulet, F.; Bibring, J.-P.; Wolff, M.; Gendrin, A.; Morris, R. V.; Freeman, J. J.; Langevin, Y.; Mangold, N.; Bellucci, G. (2005) Spectral reflectance and morphologic correlations in eastern Terra Meridiani, Mars. Science 307(5715), 1591-1594.

J. D. Pasteris, B. Wopenka, J. J. Freeman, P. G. Brewer, S. N. White, E. T. Peltzer, and G. E. Malby (2004) Raman Spectroscopy in the Deep Ocean: Successes and Challenges. Applied Spectroscopy 58(7), 195A-208A.

Pasteris, J.D., J.J. Freeman, S.K. Goffredi and K.R. Buck (2001). Raman spectroscopic and laser scanning confocal microscopic analysis of sulfur in living sulfur-precipitating marine bacteria. Chemical Geology 180(1-4), 3-18.

J. J. Freeman and M. J. Silva (2002) Separation of the Raman Spectral Signatures of Bioapatite and Collagen in Compact Mouse Bone Bleached with Hydrogen Peroxide, Applied Spectroscopy 56(6), 770-775.

J.J. Freeman, B.Wopenka, M.J. Silva, and J.D. Pasteris (2001) Raman spectroscopic detection of changes in bioapatite in mouse femora as a function of age and in-vitro fluoride treatment. Calcified Tissue International 68,156-162.

J. D. Pasteris, B. Wopenka, J. J. Freeman,V. L. Young, and H. J. Brandon (1999) Medical mineralogy as a new challenge to the geologist: Silicates in human mammary tissue? American Mineralogist 84, 997-1008.

B. Wopenka, J. J. Freeman, and E. Grew (1999) Raman spectroscopic identification of B-free and B-rich kornerupine (prismatine). American Mineralogist 84, 550-554.

B. Wopenka, J. J. Freeman, and T. Nikischer (1998) Raman spectroscopic identification of fibrous natural zeolites. Applied Spectroscopy 52, 54-63.

B. Wopenka, J. D. Pasteris and J. J. Freeman (1990) Analysis of individual fluid inclusions by FTIR and Raman micro-spectroscopy, Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 54, 519-533.

recent abstracts by the Planetary Materials Research Group

314-935-6629	JohnJFreeman@wustl.edu
314-935-7361