Acquisition of a Scanning Probe Microscope and a Liquid Helium Cryostat for Micro-Nano Scale Thermal Science Research and Education at the University of Texas at Austin

University Of Texas At Austin, Austin TX

Investigators

Abstract

The proposal was submitted in response to the FY2002 Chemical and Transport Systems equipment solicitation, described in NSF Announcement. NSF 01-93. The PIs propose to acquire two pieces of equipment that will establish a significant experimental capability in micro/nanoscale transport phenomena at the University of Texas at Austin. Research activities enabled by this equipment include thermal property measurements of nanostructures and in low conductivity dielectric films, investigation of heat dissipation mechanisms in carbon nanotubes, and near-field laser manufacturing and nanoscale fluorescence imaging. Application of these nanostructures, including carbon nanotubes and semiconductor nanowires, in the areas o nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, and thermoelectric cooling has great technological potoential. The equipment will also be utilized in new graduate courses at U.T.-Austin. Funding is from the Thermal Transport and Thermal Processing of the Chemical and Transport Systems Division.