MRI Acquisition: An integrated platform for combined multi-scale mechanical and chemical analysis to inform functional materials design

提出的系统通过集成原子力显微镜、超纳米压痕测试仪（最大深度= 100 ìm；负载= 50 mN）、纳米压痕测试仪（1000 ìm; 500 mN）和光学显微镜(通过二维拉曼显微镜（514或785 nm激光）进行，促进了在一个模块化平台上对单个ROI的多模态分析。高精度的转换平台在模块之间移动样本。该提议的仪器将促进跨多个小长度尺度的组合力学分析，并在单个ROI上确定化学成分。原子力显微镜和纳米压痕是评估刚性、传统工程材料的成熟技术。然而，大多数商业上可用的纳米压头不能准确地测试水合、柔软或受热变化影响的材料。CSM仪器平台巧妙地克服了现有压头系统的局限性，通过使用一个独立的探针来找到样品的表面，并连续监测热漂移，而第二个探针压痕样品-这对柔软或流体状表面至关重要。与拉曼显微镜的集成将有助于在一个精确的ROI中综合分析机械行为和材料化学。科罗拉多大学博尔德分校获得该系统将以无与伦比的方式为尖端材料的设计提供信息，并加强我们在世界级材料研究方面的活动。

1338154FergusonThe proposed system facilitates multimodal analysis of a single ROI on one modular platform by integrating an Atomic Force Microscope, an Ultra Nanoindentation Tester (max depth = 100 ìm; load = 50 mN), a Nanoindentation Tester (1000 ìm; 500 mN), and an optical microscope through which 2-D Raman microscopy (514 or 785 nm lasers) is performed. A high precision translation stage moves samples between modules. This proposed instrument will facilitate combined mechanical analysis, across multiple small length-scales, with determination of chemical composition at a single ROI. AFM and nanoindentation are well-established techniques for assessing stiff, conventional engineering materials. Yet most commercially available nanoindenters fail to accurately test materials that are hydrated, soft, or subjected to thermal changes. The CSM Instruments platform adeptly overcomes limitations of existing indenter systems by using one independent probe to find a sample's surface and continuously monitor thermal drift while a second probe indents the sample - critical for soft or fluid-like surfaces. Integration with a Raman microscope will facilitate combined analysis of mechanical behavior and materials chemistry in one exact ROI. Acquisition of this system at CU Boulder will inform design of cutting-edge materials in an unparalleled fashion and enhance our activities in world-class materials research.