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

该仪器开发项目将为研究矿泉水界面提供一种新的“智能”原位探针显微镜工具。该项目的目标是提高有用数据的吞吐量，从而实现(1)“成像”速度提高10至100倍，而噪音水平的增加可以忽略不计；(2)沿线性或其他一维表面特征定位不连续点的能力。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，从而消除了对其他不太重要的表面区域成像的需要。这些发展的优点是能够观察到负责表面反应性的分子水平表面结构，并实时跟踪这些特征的动态。这一步跟踪扫描探针显微镜（ST-SPM）的发展将涉及设计，建设和测试的反馈电子，定制显微镜，和软件接口。ST-SPM的最初应用将是在碳酸盐矿化研究中，使用改进的仪器直接观察表面动力学。该项目的成果将包括开发新的仪器，以促进科学研究和加强科学认识。ST-SPM具有识别和跟踪特定表面特征的能力，也可能对晶体生长研究、微纳米级器件表征、分子电子学和纳米光刻技术产生重大影响，从而加强跨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，如果可行，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.