Acquisition of a Scanning Probe Microscope to Support Cross- Disciplinary Research Among Faculty and Undergraduate Students

该奖项由化学研究仪器和设施 （CRIF）计划和主要研究仪器（MRI）计划将 使化学和生物化学系在卡尔文学院， 获取扫描探针显微镜系统。 扫描探针 显微镜研究实验室将加强研究计划， 教师和学生在一些领域，包括：1） 聚合物刷在一系列溶剂中的结构表征，2） 表面自组装膜的结构表征，3） 铁磁薄膜中的磁畴结构，4）分子 滑液和人工泪液的粘附和润滑性能 聚合物表面。 扫描探针显微镜是一种多功能工具，能够 获得具有高空间分辨率的表面结构信息， 以及测量局部机械和磁性的能力 的表面。 它还将为理科学生提供使用 这台仪器在生物学、化学和物理学上都有应用。 该计划的一个独特方面是提供跨学科和 跨学科的研究和教育活动，以教师和 他们在本科院校的学生合作者。

This award from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF) Program and the Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Program will enable the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Calvin College to acquire a scanning probe microscopy system. The scanning probe microscopy research laboratory will enhance the research program of faculty and students in a number of areas including the following: 1) structural characterization of polymer brushes in a range of solvents, 2) structural characterization of self-assembled films on surfaces, 3) magnetic domain structure in ferromagnetic thin films, 4) molecular adhesion and lubricant properties of synovial fluids and artificial tears on polymeric surfaces. The scanning probe microscope is a versatile tool that has the ability to obtain surface structural information with high spatial resolution, as well as the ability to measure local mechanical and magnetic properties of surfaces. It will also give science students training in the use of this instrument which has applications in biology, chemistry and physics. A unique aspect of this program is to provide both interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research and educational activities to faculty and their student collaborators at an undergraduate institution.