Acquisition of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for Multidisciplinary Research at Virginia State University
Abstract
Materials characterization is one of the most ubiquitous disciplines in science and engineering. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) performs a very important role in modern scientific research, especially in medicine, engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, and material science. In addition to topographical, morphological and compositional information, SEM can detect and analyze surface fractures, contaminations, spatial variations in chemical compositions, and also provide qualitative chemical analyses and identify crystalline structures. Precise measurement of very small features and objects down to 10 nm in size is also accomplished using the SEM. The proposed instrumentation comprises a high resolution In-lens Schottky field emission electron gun with unprecedented spatial resolution. Currently, many interdisciplinary research are on-going at the Virginia State University in polymer science, genomics, surface coating, nano/micro manufacturing, and image analysis. My research at Virginia State University is focused on micro/nanotechnology especially nanomaterials for biomedical and industrial applications. Furthermore, the research is in line with our goal to align our activities with the Army Research LaboratoryÕs (ARLÕs) Open Campus initiative in future. The acquisition of this instrument will help Virginia State University fit more closely within ARLÕs Science & Technology ecosystem. Specifically, VSU is committed to this efforts because of a close alignment with ARLÕs campaign for Functional Integration of Materials and related capabilities to demonstrate predictive design and integration of functional properties into complex multi-component systems. As most of technical research and training require image/elemental analysis, the requested instrument will provide strong collaboration among faculties to enhance the outstanding research/teaching opportunities for STEM education. Therefore, SEM is equally basic as well as a necessity to our Center for Undergraduate Research (CUR) at VSU for the continuing research and education program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 20, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710451
Entities
People
- Diptirani Samantaray
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Virginia State University