MRI: Acquisition of a Multi-Dimensional Nano-Characterization System Based on a Scanning Probe Microscope for Multidisciplinary Materials Research and Education

非技术描述：扫描探针显微镜（SPM）是一种利用尖锐探针在纳米和亚纳米空间分辨率下测量表面和界面性质的科学仪器。通过该主要研究仪器（MRI）奖获得的SPM系统对罗文大学及其新泽西州南部周边地区的研究、教育和培训基础设施产生了重大影响。首先，该仪器使教师、本科生和研究生以及区域工业参与者之间的合作材料研究能够进行开创性的研究。它允许建立机构间和机构内的研究合作。其次，通过为本科生和研究生提供充足的机会从事他们的研究项目、课程作业或论文项目，该工具帮助发展了几个项目，如材料科学与工程项目，直接影响了该地区技术劳动力的培训。第三，这个工具被许多研究人员使用，包括女性和代表性不足的少数民族教师和学生，通过建立大学和学院项目。这为来自通常在科学和工程领域代表性不足的群体的科学家提供了更好的经验、更强的培训和更多的机会。最后，该工具满足了当地在先进材料研究和培训方面的需求，从而增加了与当地工业的互动，并对该地区的经济增长产生了更大的影响。技术描述：获得的SPM系统结合了超高分辨率成像，纳米电测量，纳米力学表征和纳米电化学分析，用于研究空气，流体，电场或化学反应环境中的各种材料系统。凭借这些先进的功能，该仪器可以在五个关键研究领域进行研究项目：(1)表面形貌和纳米材料研究；(2)功能材料、柔性电子和传感器；（三）电化学、能源材料及器件、防护涂料；(4)生物和生物医学材料、生命科学；(5)增材制造、建筑和结构材料。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Non-Technical Description:A scanning probe microscope (SPM) is a scientific instrument that uses a sharp probe to measure surface and interface properties in nanometer and sub-nanometer spatial resolution. The SPM system acquired through this Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) award has significant impact on the research, education, and training infrastructure at Rowan University and its surrounding area in southern New Jersey. First, this instrument enables collaborative materials research among faculty members, undergraduate and graduate students, and regional industrial participants to conduct ground-breaking research. It allows the establishment of inter- and intra-institutional research collaborations. Second, this instrument helps grow several programs, such as the Materials Science & Engineering program, by providing ample opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to work on their research projects, coursework, or thesis projects, directly impacting the training of a technical workforce for the region. Third, this instrument is used by many researchers including women and underrepresented minority faculty and students through established university and college programs. This provides better experience, stronger training, and more opportunities for researchers from groups typically underrepresented in science and engineering. Finally, this instrument serves the local needs in advanced materials research and training, resulting in increased interactions with local industries and stronger impact on the economic growth in the region.Technical Description:The acquired SPM system combines ultrahigh-resolution imaging, nanoelectrical measurement, nanomechanical characterization, and nanoelectrochemical analysis for the research of various material systems in air, fluid, electrical field, or chemically reactive environment. With these advanced features, the instrument enables research projects in five key research areas: (1) surface morphology and nanomaterials research; (2) functional materials, flexible electronics and sensors; (3) electrochemistry, energy materials and devices, and protective coatings; (4) biological and biomedical materials, life sciences; and (5) additive manufacturing, construction and structural materials.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.