Scanning Electron Microscope with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy for Boron Mapping of Nanostructures
Abstract
Abstract This proposal seeks instrumentation to perform high-?resolution imaging and elemental mapping of boron-?based nanomaterials of interest to the Office of Naval Research and other DoD organizations. The request is specifically for a field-?emission scanning electron microscope (FE-?SEM) equipped with a state-?of-?the-?art silicon drift detector energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The need for this instrumentation is driven by ONR-?funded research on the innovative nanostructuring of metal borides, which are important ultrahigh temperature ceramic materials associated with hypersonic flight-?compatible coatings, as well as applications that require robust electrically-?conductive ceramics. The proposed instrumentation will provide valuable information about the surfaces of nanostructured metal borides, their topographies and morphologies, the characterization of defects, and the identity and distribution of phases, especially boron-?containing ones. These capabilities will improve research progress through access to higher-?resolution data and mapping methods to rapidly evaluate sample materials and experimental success. This FE-?SEM-?EDS system would have the highest resolution SEM imaging and elemental mapping capabilities at The University of Georgia. The proposal describes the well-? established infrastructure for electron microscopy that is available to support this acquisition, in particular the university-?wide user facility staffed by permanently budgeted Ph.D. level scientists. The FE-?SEM-?EDS system also will benefit the instruction and training of UGA students, as well as become part of outreach efforts to local schools and summer program groups.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512826
Entities
People
- Tina T Salguero
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- The University of Georgia
- United States Navy