MRI: Acquisition of a Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope for Multi-Disciplinary Research in the State of New Mexico

该主要研究仪器（MRI）奖支持新墨西哥州立大学（NMSU）购置一台现代化的超高分辨率场发射电子显微镜（FE-SEM）。FE-SEM以最先进的分辨率同时捕获来自六个探测器的图像。该仪器的图像有助于研究人员开发新材料，这些材料对下一代电池、燃料电池和水净化膜的设计至关重要。该仪器还将使研究人员能够观察细胞、组织和土壤的组成部分，从而更好地了解自然世界，并找到改善国民健康的新方法。该奖项支持南部边境地区三家西班牙裔服务机构的高水平研究和学生培训。该仪器在新密歇根州立大学的存在将是提高美国该地区学生和教师的教育和学术成就的宝贵工具。该项目的目标是获得一台超高分辨率场发射扫描电子显微镜（FE-SEM），用于研究和教育。现代，超高分辨率的电子显微镜图像为工程和科学领域的研究人员提供了关键信息，该设备的收购将加速当前的努力。最初的用户群包括需要FE-SEM来表征燃料电池设计、增材制造系统、电池和清洁水应用膜技术中的新材料的教师和项目。此外，现代FE-SEM仪器技术、样品制备和操作模式的应用将使生物科学中基于电子显微镜的深入探究和科学发现成为可能。该设备的收购将促进发现，最终有助于其他领域，如能源生产，农业，航空航天，保护和医药。这些设备为加强三所西班牙裔服务机构的大学课程、向该地区服务不足的社区提供服务以及支持多元化的教师研究社区提供了重要机会。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。

This Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) award supports the acquisition of a modern, ultrahigh resolution field-emission electron microscope (FE-SEM) at New Mexico State University (NMSU). The FE-SEM captures images from six detectors, simultaneously, with state-of-the-art resolution. The images from this instrument help researchers develop new materials that are crucial for next-generation designs of batteries, fuel cells and water purification membranes. The instrument will also allow researchers to look at components of cells, tissues, and soils to better understand the natural world and find new ways to improve our national health. This award supports high-level research and student training at three Hispanic-serving institutions in the southern borderland region. The presence of this instrument at NMSU will be a valuable tool for improving the education and academic success of students and faculty in this region of the United States. The objective of this project is to acquire an ultrahigh resolution field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) for research and education. Modern, ultrahigh resolution electron microscopy images provide critical information for researchers in both engineering and science fields and the acquisition of this equipment will accelerate current efforts. The initial user base includes faculty and projects that require FE-SEM for characterization of novel materials in fuel cell design, additive manufacturing systems, batteries, and membrane technology for clean water applications. Furthermore, application of modern FE-SEM instrument technology, sample preparation, and operation modes will enable profound, electron microscopy-based inquiry and scientific discovery in the biosciences. The acquisition of this equipment will facilitate discoveries that ultimately contribute to other fields, such as energy production, agriculture, aerospace, conservation, and medicine. The equipment offers important opportunities for the enhancement of university curriculum at three Hispanic-serving institutions, outreach to underserved communities in the region, and support of a diverse faculty research community.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.