Collaborative Research: Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Team Research on Understanding and Overcoming Atomic-Level Wear in Tip-Based Nanomanufacturing

本研究的目的是将原子力显微镜（AFM）、高分辨率透射电子显微镜（TEM）和原子模型相结合，：(1)探索纳米尺度磨损的科学基础；(2)验证了宏观强碳基材料可用于形成耐磨纳米针尖的假设。磨损科学在很大程度上尚未被探索，但对于实现纳米技术应用至关重要，包括所有基于尖端的纳米制造（TBN）工艺（例如，纳米级加工、光刻、操作、数据存储）。碳基材料由于其高强度、低摩擦和磨损以及稳定的表面，可能是TBN的理想材料。我们将利用与工业界和国家实验室伙伴的合作来开展这项工作。这项工作的社会影响是双重的。从技术角度来看，它将有助于工业实施TBN工艺，并在原子尺度上对磨损的科学理解的更广泛发展。从教育的角度来看，这项研究将在纳米制造的跨学科概念方面培养本科、研究生和专业水平的工程师。pi将把TBN过程的讲座和实验室整合到本科和研究生课程中，并将通过演讲、出版物、网络基础设施和与工业合作者的讨论，将这项工作的结果广泛传播给科学和工程专业人员。一名高中教师将通过建立的教师研究经验（RET）计划获得支持。将征聘妇女和人数不足的少数民族加入研究小组，并作为外联工作的参与者和受益者。

The objective of this research is to combine atomic force microscopy (AFM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomistic modeling to: (1) explore the scientific basis of wear at the nanoscale; and (2) test the hypothesis that macroscopically strong carbon-based materials can be used to form wear-resistant nanotips. The science of wear is largely unexplored, yet is critically needed for enabling nanotechnology applications including all tip-based nanomanufacturing (TBN) processes (e.g., nano-scale machining, lithography, manipulation, data storage). Carbon-based materials may be ideal for TBN due to their high strength, low friction and wear, and stable surfaces. We will leverage collaboration with industry and national laboratory partners for this work.The societal impact of this work is twofold. From a technical standpoint, it will aid in the implementation of TBN processes for industry, and in the broader development of a scientific understanding of wear at the atomic scale. From an educational standpoint, this research will train engineers at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels in interdisciplinary concepts in nanomanufacturing. The PIs will integrate lectures and labs on TBN processes into undergraduate and graduate courses, and will widely disseminate the results of this work to science and engineering professionals through presentations, publications, cyber-infrastructure, and discussions with industrial collaborators. A high school teacher will be supported through established research experience for teachers (RET) programs. Women and underrepresented minorities will be recruited to be part of the research team and as participants and beneficiaries of the outreach efforts.