MRI: Acquisition of Instrumentation for Nanoscale Characterization and Fabrication (NNIN Consortium Proposal)

Cornell University, Ithaca NY

Investigators

Abstract

The atomic force microscope acquired under this grant will be used by the national scientific research community from a wide range of disciplines. NNIN's technical staff will develop reliable protocols, training procedures, and extend the capabilities of the instrument by interacting with users and incorporating these new capabilities into user research projects. Potential results include the development of new reproducible techniques for nanoscale integration and characterization, the creation of complex three-dimensional heterogenous systems, and an enhanced understanding of molecular and biological phenomena. Through its large research user population, the utilization of this technology will have wide geographic coverage involving researchers from academia, small and large companies and federal research laboratories. NNIN's educational efforts-including specific REU -focused projects using these instruments, the training of over 1000 new students every year, freely accessible web-based resources, and nanotechnology-focused workshops-will focus on outreach to the student and scientific community at large.