MRI: Acquisition of an Atomic Force Microscope and a Tunable Infrared Laser for Advanced Interface Engineering and Interrogation

该奖项是为了获得激光系统和原子力显微镜，以追求界面工程和表征方面的新工作。三位研究人员各自拥有独特的知识基础和经验，这些设备将提供特殊的合作机会。将使用这些工具进行的研究包括聚合物薄膜的激光沉积，真菌-植物界面的表征以及液晶衍射光栅的研究。虽然两位物理学家和一位生物学家的配对可能看起来不寻常，但正是这种类型的互动将允许跨越学科界限的知识进步。这项工作的一个例子是植物-真菌界面的纳米力学表征，以及随后捕获和询问真菌竞争物种发出的蒸汽。我们不太可能单独进行这项研究，而设备将使我们能够充分利用我们的共同利益。其他将进行的研究包括液晶纳米复合薄膜的沉积和表征，以及分析物化合物的共振解吸，以促进爆炸物和其他感兴趣的化学品的检测。该奖项的广泛影响始于它本质上是多学科的（如上所述），因此提供了来自三个科学部门的广泛学生群体的参与。罗格斯-卡姆登大学位于新泽西州卡姆登市，毗邻费城。它从一个历史上被认为是美国最麻烦的城市之一的卡姆登吸引了非常多样化的学生。然而，卡姆登毗邻摩尔斯敦和樱桃山，这是全国公认的最适合居住的郊区城镇。由于我们的大部分学生来自周边的县，所以学生群体与普通民众非常相似。作为罗格斯-新泽西州立大学的一部分，我们拥有比大多数同等规模的学校更多的机构资源，但这个校园的独特之处在于我们对本科教育的承诺，强调学生参与研究。该设备的获得将通过实验室课程和先进的研究项目极大地加强教育和实践培训。最后，每位研究者将在各自的研究项目中形成新的方向。

This award is for the acquisition of laser systems and an atomic force microscope to pursue novel work in the engineering and characterization of interfaces. Each of the three investigators brings a unique knowledge base and experience, and the equipment will allow special collaborative opportunities to develop. The research that will be performed with these tools includes laser deposition of polymer films, the characterization of fungal-plant interfaces, and liquid crystal diffraction grating research. While the pairing of two physicists and a biologist may seem unusual, it is precisely this type of interaction that will allow for the advancement of knowledge across disciplinary boundaries. An example of this work is the nanomechanical characterization of the plant-fungi interface and the subsequent capture and interrogation of the vapors emitted by competing species of fungi. It would not be likely that we could pursue this research as individual investigators and the equipment will allow us to thoroughly capitalize on our mutual interests. Other research that will be pursued involves the deposition and characterization of liquid crystal nanocomposite films and the resonant desorption of analyte compounds to facilitate the detection of explosives and other chemicals of interest.The broader impacts of the award begin with the fact that it is intrinsically multidisciplinary (as noted above) and therefore affords the participation by a wide group of students drawn from each of the three science departments. Rutgers-Camden is located adjacent to Philadelphia in the city of Camden, NJ. It draws a very diverse pool of students from an area that has been historically recognized as one of the most troubled cities in America (Camden). However, Camden borders on Moorestown and Cherry Hill, which are nationally known as some of the best suburban towns to live in. Since most of our students come from the surrounding counties, the student body greatly resembles the populace. As part of Rutgers-The State University of New Jersey, we have institutional resources that are greater than most schools of our size, yet the distinct character of this campus is rooted in and informed by a commitment to undergraduate education with an emphasis on student participation in research. The acquisition of this equipment will greatly enhance both education and practical training through laboratory curricula and advanced research projects. Finally, each of the investigators will forgenew directions in their respective research programs.