The Effect of Surfaces on the Strength of Nanoscale Silicon Structures

表面对纳米结构强度的影响工程和化学实验室之间的这种合作将使用一种新开发的技术，能够准确测量微小（纳米级）材料样品的强度，从而在原子尺度上了解断裂。合作者先前的研究表明，单层分子可以显着提高纳米级硅束的强度，而原子级粗糙度可能导致强度下降。实验和计算机模拟的结合将被用来理解这些效应的起源。这种理解将使化学涂料和工艺的发展，用于生产非常强大和非常稳定的纳米级机械设备。通过整合研究和教育，这个跨学科的项目将教育本科生和研究生在一个日益增加的技术和经济重要性的领域，生产高强度，长寿命的微型和纳米机电设备（MEMS和NEMS），并将准备这些学生在教育，工业和公共服务的后续职业生涯。该项目将通过开发新的商业上可行的工艺来促进技术进步。为了吸引更多的学生从事科学和技术职业，特别是来自传统上代表性不足的群体的学生，研究小组的成员将参加各种教育推广活动，以K-12学生和教师。除了新的活动，研究人员将继续参与康奈尔大学化学教师研究所和跳高项目，这两个项目旨在改善高中教育。

The Effect of Surfaces on the Strength of Nanoscale StructuresThis collaboration between an engineering and a chemistry laboratory will develop an understanding of fracture at the atomic scale using a newly developed technique capable of accurately measuring the strength of tiny (nanoscale) samples of material. Previous research by the collaborators has shown that a single layer of molecules can significantly improve the strength of nanoscale silicon beams, whereas atomic-scale roughness can lead to strength degradation. A combination of experiments and computer simulations will be used to understand the origins of these effects. This understanding will enable the development of chemical coatings and processes for the production of very strong and very stable nanometer-scale mechanical devices.By integrating research and education, this interdisciplinary project will educate undergraduate and graduate students in an area of increasing technological and economic importance the production of high strength, long-life micro- and nano-electromechanical devices (MEMS and NEMS) and will prepare these students for subsequent careers in education, industry and public service. The project will contribute to the advancement of technology by developing new commercially-viable processes. To attract more students to careers in science and technology, particularly students from traditionally underrepresented groups, members of the research team will participate in a variety of educational outreach activities to K-12 students and teachers. In addition to new activities, the researchers will continue their involvement with the Cornell Institute for Chemistry Teachers and Project High Jump two programs designed to improve high school education.