Multimode Scanning Probe Microscope System for Nanocomposite Actuators

摘要

This DURIP award has been issued for the acquisition of a scanning probe microscope system (SPM). Scanning Probe Microscopes are (SPMs) are used to probe material surfaces with atomic resolution. Unlike optical and electron microscopes, the SPMs reveal details not only in x- and y-directions but also along the z- axis, perpendicular to the surface. Typical lateral resolutions range from 20 Angstroms down to 1 Angstrom, while in the vertical direction the resolution is better than 1 Angstrom. The main research objective supported by this system is the development of efficient bio-compatible actuators based on a novel polymer/metal composite. The scanning probe microscopy system was acquired using 33% matching funds from University of Arizona. The system was installed on August 31, 2001 and is currently operational.