MRI: Acquisition of a Dual-Beam Focused Ion Beam System for Nanostructutres that interface to Molecules

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This proposal research is accommodation of a dual-beam focused ion beam (FIB) system for "milling" nanostructures is part of that initiative. Our broad goal is to develop a research competence and workforce trained in combining fabricated nanostructures with designer molecules. Examples of proposed molecule-based nanostructures are nanoscale electrode gaps for molecular electronics, nanofluidic enclosures for single molecule optics, probes for single-molecule electrochemistry, molecule-based sensor devices, nanoscale dielectrophoretic traps and sorters for nucleic acids and proteins, and nanostructured intelligent molecular coatings. Other applications of the FIB include prototyping novel device architectures, including molecule-based sensors, preparing materials for electron microscopy analysis, FIB tomography and other physical probes, and manufacture and characterization ofnanostructured materials.Broader Impacts: The FIB will have a synergistic impact on major new programs at Arizona State University that integrate solid-state and molecular nanosciences. Through the IGERT it will serve to train a new breed of nanoscientist, spanning the chemistry-physics-engineering- biology spectrum. Training and outreach will utilize mechanisms put in place by INVSEE (Interactive Nano-Visualization for Science and Engineering Education (http://INVSEE.ASU.EDU). It will also be used in science teacher preparation programs (ACEPT and its successor AM-STEP). An on-line display at the Arizona Science Center will help to bring the concepts of nanoscience to the general public.