Scanning Probe Microscope for Materials Research and Education
Abstract
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016, under authority of 10 U.S.C. ยค 2362 and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OASD(R&E)), allocated $28 million to assist Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) with equipment and instrumentation enhancements to improve their research and education capabilities in scientific disciplines important to the defense mission. The program aims enhance the capacity of HBCU/MI to participate broadly in defense research programs and activities and to increase the number of graduates, including underrepresented minorities, in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The PI proposes the acquisition of a multifunctional high-resolution scanning probe microscope (SPM) for imaging and characterization of semiconductors, polymers, functional oxides, 2D materials, and DNA molecules. The acquisition will augment existing capabilities to support current and future initiatives in materials research at Texas State University. The new SPM will replace an obsolete atomic force microscope acquired in 2005 for surface analysis. The proposed state-of-the-art system will provide new capabilities and reduce measurement time to expand user-ship for research and education. The SPM will support a wide array of research projects led by professors with strong research and funding track records, including investigators supported by the Department of Defense. Current research involves photovoltaic materials, semiconductor materials; functional oxides; and DNA-based nanomaterials. The proposed instrument will have a direct impact on current and future research projects. The requested instrument will be used in materials research training and course instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Combined in-class and hands-on training will be conducted in several courses and laboratory units (e.g. thin films, polymers, nanomaterials). Successful approaches for incorporating advanced instrumentation training in courses will be shared and leveraged across departments including, for example, advanced laboratory and microfabrication courses in chemistry and biochemistry, physics, and engineering, and PhD level instruction in materials and nanofabrication in the Materials Science, Engineering and Commercialization (MSEC) program. The proposed system will be leveraged by ongoing outreach activities specifically targeting high school teachers and students. It will be introduced to them through projects, tours, demonstrations, and presentations. The SPM will enhance recruitment efforts and increase retention through the BS degree and into graduate programs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 21, 2017
- Source ID
- W911NF1610518
Entities
People
- Alexander Zakhidov
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Texas State University