Acquisition of an X-Ray Diffractometer for Nanoscale Materials Research and Education

这笔拨款是用于购置一套最先进的多用途X射线衍射仪系统。 该仪器将位于材料研究和分析中心（CMRA）的X射线材料表征设施。它将提供新的基本能力，大大提高研究生产力。新仪器将满足研究人员的需要，他们需要定性和定量的相分析，晶体结构分析，应力测量，在空气、真空或惰性气体中的静态和动态高温和低温研究，以及包括反射率和掠入射衍射在内的薄膜表征。软件将允许更先进的数据采集和分析。所要求的仪器的特点包括：（1）旋转阳极高强度X射线源;（2）具有自动对准功能的高精度测角仪;（3）用于精确安装样品的样品台;（4）多用途光学系统，包括可变和固定狭缝，易于从平行聚焦转换为各种平行光束配置;（5）高温和低温室;（6）放置敏感探测器，大大减少数据收集时间;（7）现代化分析软件包;及（7）方便进入的辐射封闭空间。CMRA是一个多学科研究中心，在7个部门拥有60多名教职员工。正在进行的主要合作计划是NSF MRSEC：纳米磁性结构中的量子和自旋现象（QSPINS），W.M.凯克中心介自旋和量子信息系统，和一个ONR纳米倡议：纳米尺度磁电结构和器件。这三个项目涉及27名教职员工，总资金超过1000万美元。X射线材料表征设施是七个CMRA研究设施提供给所有NU教师以及在内布拉斯加州和其他地方的公司之一。一名全职材料研究专家负责维护设备，培训和协助用户进行安全，分析技术和数据解释和演示。X射线衍射仪系统将大大加强整个大学的材料研究和教育，特别是改善上述团体赠款中涉及的许多纳米材料的结构表征。本次提案的主要研究者所代表的学科包括材料科学、物理学、化学、化学工程和机械工程。

This grant is for the acquisition of a state-of-the-art multi-purpose X-Ray diffractometer system. The instrument will be located in the Center for Materials Research and Analysis (CMRA) X-Ray Materials Characterization Facility. It will provide new, essential capabilities, dramatically increasing research productivity. The new instrument will meet the needs of researchers who require qualitative and quantitative phase analysis, crystal structure analysis, stress measurement, static and dynamic high- and low-temperature studies in air, vacuum or inert gas, and thin-film characterization including reflectivity and grazing-incidence diffraction. Software will allow more advanced acquisition and analysis of data. Features of the requested instrument include: (1) Rotating anode high-intensity X-Ray source; (2) High- precision goniometer with automatic alignment; (3) Sample stage for precise mounting of samples; (4) Multi-purpose optical system including variable and fixed slits with easy conversion from parafocusing to various parallel beam configurations; (5) High- and low-temperature chambers; (6) Position sensitive detector to significantly reduce data collection time; (7) Modern analytical software package; and (7) Radiation enclosure with convenient access. The CMRA is a multidisciplinary research center with over 60 faculty members in 7 departments. Major collaborative initiatives under way are the NSF MRSEC: Quantum and Spin Phenomena in Nanomagnetic Structures (QSPINS), the W.M. Keck Center for Mesospin and Quantum Information Systems, and an ONR Nano-Initiative: Nanoscale Magnetoelectronic Structures and Devices. These three programs involve 27 faculty members and the total funding over $10 million. The X-Ray Materials Characterization Facility is one of seven CMRA research facilities available to all NU faculty as well as companies in Nebraska and elsewhere. A full-time Materials Research Specialist maintains equipment, trains and assists users in safety, analysis techniques and data interpretation and presentation. The X-Ray diffractometer system will greatly enhance materials research and education throughout the university and especially improve the structural characterization of many of the nanoscale materials involved in the above-mentioned group grants. The disciplines represented by the principal investigators of this proposal include materials science, physics, chemistry, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering.