Acquisition of a Real-time Laue Back Reflection X-Ray System and a Powder Pattern X-Ray Diffraction System for Education and Research in Crystallography
Abstract
This proposal is for the acquisition of an X-ray powder pattern system, a Laue X-ray back reflection system and accessories that will allow Norfolk State University to accelerate the discovery of new materials by expanding our crystal capabilities to include complete structural characterization in a single facility on the NSU campus. This will also allow students to receive in-depth education and research training in all aspects the materials discovery process. The discovery of novel materials with new properties is critical for the development of new quantum electronics based technologies. The ability to make high quality single crystals was a high priority in the country for many years because their importance in understanding the fundamental physics of solids. Norfolk State University (NSU) has recently developed extensive capabilities in single crystal growth of novel materials using the optical floating zone and Bridgman crystal growth techniques. This has led to collaborations with groups around the country on research that could lead to the discovery of new materials with applications in spintronics and quantum electronics. Essential to the discovery of new materials is accurate characterization of the structural properties which currently must be performed off campus at various collaborator institutions. This equipment will allow for accelerated discovery of new materials by having access to growth and characterization facilities in one location. The proposal goals are to: 1) develop in-house capabilities for materials discovery from synthesis to characterization, 2) perform leading-edge research and enhancement of the educational capabilities in the area of x-ray diffraction spectroscopy and crystallography, 3) provide research training for undergraduate and graduate students using state-of-the-art facilities, 4) impact and broaden the participation of women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities through innovative and relevant research, education, and outreach initiatives in crystallography and materials sciences, and 5) engage the research and education community by providing access to x-ray diffraction spectroscopy and promoting collaboration both on and off-campus. These capabilities will also lead to unique research opportunities and collaborations both with on-campus researchers and between NSU researchers and other institutions and industries. Although the research described here focusses on X-ray spectroscopy, crystallography, and single crystal growth of new quantum and nonlinear optical materials, the requested instrumentation would also be useful to NSU researchers in biology and medicine.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110294
Entities
People
- Doyle Temple
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Norfolk State University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense