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

该重大研究仪器（MRI）奖支持在新墨西哥州州立大学（NMSU）购买现代化的高分辨率场发射电子显微镜（FE-SEM）。FE-SEM同时从六个探测器捕获图像，具有最先进的分辨率。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、组织和土壤的成分，以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个西班牙裔服务机构的高水平研究和学生培训。该仪器在NMSU的存在将是改善美国这一地区学生和教师的教育和学术成功的宝贵工具。 本计画的目的是获得一台高解析度场发射扫描电子显微镜（FE-SEM），以供研究与教育之用。现代的高分辨率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，获得这一设备将加速目前的努力。最初的用户群包括需要FE-SEM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型材料的教师和项目。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。这些设备的获得将促进最终有助于其他领域的发现，如能源生产，农业，航空航天，保护和医学。该设备提供了重要的机会，为加强大学课程在三个西班牙裔服务机构，外展服务不足的社区在该地区，并支持一个多元化的教师研究community.This奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并已被认为是值得通过使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估的支持。

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.