Development of "Smart" Scanning Probe Microscopy Instrumentation for Studies of Mineral-Water Interfaces

EAR-0345729 Higgins该仪器开发项目将提供一种新的“智能”、原位、探头显微镜工具，用于研究矿泉水界面。该项目的目标是提高有用数据的吞吐量，从而(1)在噪声水平微乎其微的情况下将“成像”的速度提高10到100倍，以及(2)能够沿着线性或其他一维表面特征定位不连续。通过二维横向反馈机制，该仪器将允许跟踪和追踪高反应性的表面位置，从而消除对其他不太重要的表面区域成像的需要。这些发展的优势是能够观察到分子水平的表面结构，并实时跟踪这些特征的动态。该步进跟踪扫描探针显微镜(ST-SPM)的开发将涉及反馈电子设备、定制显微镜和软件接口的设计、建造和测试。ST-SPM的初步应用将是碳酸盐成矿作用的研究，利用改进后的仪器将直接观察表面动力学。项目成果将包括为促进科学研究和增进科学理解而开发新的仪器。ST-SPM具有识别和跟踪特定表面特征的能力，可能还会对晶体生长研究、微米和纳米器件表征、分子电子学和纳米光刻技术产生重大影响，从而增进对一系列跨学科领域的科学理解。商业化计划包括与一家领先的SPM制造商合作评估这项新技术，并在可行的情况下使其易于使用。

EAR-0345729Higgins This instrument development project will provide a new "Smart", in-situ, probe microscopy tool for investigations of mineral-water interfaces. The project objectives are to improve throughput of useful data, resulting in (1) a 10- to 100-fold increase in speed of "imaging" with negligible increase in noise levels and (2) the capability for locating discontinuities along linear or otherwise one-dimensional surface features. Through a 2-dimensional lateral feedback mechanism, the instrument will allow for tracking and tracing of surface sites of high reactivity, thereby eliminating the need for imaging other surface regions of considerably less importance. The advantages of these developments are the ability to observe molecular level surface structures responsible for surface reactivity and to follow the dynamics of these features in real time. The development of this Step Tracing Scanning Probe Microscope (ST-SPM) will involve design, construction and testing of the feedback electronics, custom microscope, and software interface. The initial application of the ST-SPM will be in the study of carbonate mineralization where surface dynamics will be directly observed using the improved instrument. The project outcomes will include development of new instrumentation for advancement of scientific research and enhanced scientific understanding. The ST-SPM, with its ability to recognize and follow particular surface features, may also have a large impact on crystal growth research, micro- and nanoscale device characterization, molecular electronics, and nanolithographic techniques, thereby enhancing scientific understanding across a range of interdisciplinary fields. Commercialization plans include partnering with a leading SPM manufacturer to evaluate this new technology and if feasible, make it readily accessible.