Upgrading of Existing X-Ray Photoelectron Spectrometer Capabilities for Development and Analysis of Novel Energetic NanoCluster Materials (DURIP)

摘要

This DURIP proposal was funded to upgrade an existing Kratos Ultra Axis X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS) in the Penn State Materials Characterization Laboratory Facility as the primary objective along with an existing RHK, ultrahigh vacuum atomic force microscope (AFM) in the Allara lab as the secondary objective. These acquisitions allow new capabilities for performing experiments directed at synthesizing novel types of discrete heteroatom clusters by highly controlled vapor deposition and understanding critical interfacial chemistry in compositions of nanoscale materials in highly energetic nanostructures. Project funding period ended 05/31/07. Equipment was all purchased by the end of the funding period and the installation and trials completed by 09/27/08. Research using the upgraded instruments and capabilities has started. Pictures and results illustrating the equipment upgrade on the XPS system are shown below. The first experiments in the AFM system are now being done with systems of Al atoms on nitro-containing molecules and polymer films.