William Tong, Ph.D.
Pronouns: William
Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Analytical Chemistry,SDSU Provost
San Diego
Primary Email: [email protected]
Phone/Fax
Primary Phone: 44434/41611
Building/Location
5500 Campanile Dr
San Diego,
CA
92182
Mail Code: Links
Bio
We have developed novel nonlinear multi-photon laser methods for chemical analysis with zeptomole-level (10-21 mole) or sub-parts-per-quadrillion-level detection sensitivity for a wide range of areas including biomedical, environmental and security applications. The Tong Lab has received funding from various agencies, including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health (R01), National Institute of General Medical Sciences, U.S. Department of Defense (CCAT), U.S. Department of Homeland Security and various corporate sources for studies in analytical chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, physical chemistry and biophysics. Our patented laser wave mixing methods can distinguish not only large biomolecules but also small isotopes. Our laser-based detectors are more portable and less expensive than isotope-capable high-resolution mass spectrometers. Wave-mixing laser methods yield hyperfine profiles (atomic fingerprints), and hence, unambiguous isotope information from both stable and radioisotopes. This allows for the use of stable isotopes as biotracers instead of radioactive biotracer isotopes. We have also studied fast laser-powered pyrolysis with laser-induced diagnostic real-time monitoring of reaction rates, intermediate species and mechanisms of semiconductor materials for better understanding of fundamental physical and chemical processes. We use a wide range of lasers with wavelengths from UV (solid-state lasers) and visible (tunable external cavity diode lasers) to mid-IR (tunable quantum cascade lasers). Potential applications of our ultrasensitive nonlinear laser methods include earlier detection of diseases (Parkinson's, cancer, etc.), more sensitive detection of biomarkers, cancer cells and viruses (HPV), better design of cleaner drugs, more sensitive detection of pollutants and chemicals both inside the human body and in the environment, remote standoff detection of chem/bio agents, and even authentication of paintings and other artwork.
Areas of Specialization
Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Bioanalytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Biophysics, Laser Wave Mixing