A Fast Scanning Atomic Force Microscopy System for In situ studies of Defense-Related Nanoscale Systems
Abstract
A fundamental understanding of nanoscale phenomena in biological, abiotic, and hybridmaterials will have immense implications for future defense-related systems that combine theprecise biochemical control of natural systems with the vast toolbox of synthetic materials andnanotechnology. Through ongoing AFOSR-, ONR-, and ARO-funded projects, we areconducting fundamental research on cellular-electronic interfaces and the adaptive evolution ofmicrobial biofilms, and developing cellular-controlled nanomaterial synthesis approaches fordefense-specific applications. These ongoing DoD-funded projects rely on our ability to performsimultaneous imaging and multi-parametric characterization of biotic and abiotic samples withnanoscale resolution, in real time, while controlling the environmental conditions. Under thesecircumstances, atomic force microscopy (AFM) offers significant advantages over moretraditional characterization techniques that are either diffraction limited or restricted to operationunder non-native conditions. When combined with tip-functionalization strategies, AFM alsoallows for the localization and study of individual molecules (single-molecule forcespectroscopy) in a complex heterogeneous background, while interrogating the electronic,mechanical, and chemical properties of the samples. Acquiring a fast scanning environmentalAFM will have a tremendous impact on our DoD-relevant research and education by introducingnew in situ analysis capabilities, increasing measurement throughput, and trainingundergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars in state-of-the-art experimentalmethods bridging the biotic-abiotic interface.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 11, 2017
- Source ID
- FA95501710445
Entities
People
- Mohamed Y El-Naggar
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Southern California