Acquisition of a Scanning Probe Microscope for Materials Research and Education

Kansas State University, Manhattan KS

Investigators

Abstract

0076169 Hollingsworth This award is for the acquisistion of a scanning probe microscope for use in the Chemistry Department at Kansas State University. This microscope will incorporate a variety of capabilities, including scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), contact and non-contact atomic force microscopy (AFM), magnetic force microscopy, phase imaging, chemical force microscopy, lateral force microscopy, and electrochemical STM and AFM. This instrumentation will benefit several research programs, including those concerning polymer-dispersed liquid crystal films, crystal growth and dissolution of organic inclusion compounds, ferroelastic and ferroelectric domain switching in organic inclusion compounds, sol-gel-derived silicate glass films used for template-derived sensors and electrochemical devices, semiconductor and magnetic nanoparticles, carbon fiber composites, and oxidized metallic surfaces. Acquisition of this new instrument will greatly benefit graduate student training and research and will also help enhance the undergraduate curriculum in the Chemistry Department at Kansas State University. *** This award is for the acquisition of a modern scanning probe microscope for use in the Chemistry Department at Kansas State University. This instrument will provide molecular-scale information about the topographical features and adhesive properties of a variety of surfaces, as well as spatially resolved information about the electronic and magnetic properties of numerous materials. Such information is important because it provides a molecular-level understanding of the physical and chemical properties of materials that are relevant in the areas of optical communications, information storage, remediation of hazardous wastes, biomedical sensors, high tensile strength materials, and metallic surfaces in corrosive media. Acquisition of this new instrument will greatly benefit graduate student training and research and will also help enhance the undergraduate curriculum in the Chemistry Department at Kansas State University. %%%