Combined Scanning Force - Super Resolution Fluorescence Microscope (AFM-SRFM)

软物质的研究与开发是亚琛理工大学的一个重要研究领域。有一个特别关注的复杂系统，显示出特征的长度尺度&lt；1微米，其中这些结构属性涉及到形态和化学功能。这些软材料的一个特殊特点是它们能够适应环境。例如在接口处。我们申请一种扫描力显微镜和荧光显微镜相结合的显微镜。此外，它将超分辨率显微镜以及具有时间和光谱分辨率的共聚焦显微镜结合在一起。这台显微镜将可以研究具有复杂界面结构的自适应软物质系统。将特别关注由不同成分组成的体系，例如不同的微凝胶。这种独特的技术组合将使现场研究各种刺激对平行和垂直于界面的软物质的形态、粘弹性以及化学功能的影响。功能微凝胶显示出非常特殊的性质，这将使研究纳米级物体的“柔软性”对其个体变形、相互渗透以及如何影响整个层成为可能。此外，将有可能开发具有应用的功能涂层，例如用作传感器或催化。该显微镜将促进CRC、1号学院和分子科学与工程领域的研究。它将极大地扩展RWTH和邻近研究所的现有设备。

Investigation and development of soft matter is an important field of research at RWTH Aachen University. There is a special focus on complex systems that reveal characteristic length scales < 1µm where these structural properties concern the morphology as well as chemical functionality. A particular feature of these soft materials is their ability to adapt to their environments as. e.g. at interfaces. We apply for a microscope that combines scanning force microscopy with fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, it combines super resolution microscopy as well as confocal microscopy with temporal and spectral resolution. This microscope will allow studying adaptive soft matter systems with complex structure at interfaces. A special focus will be on systems that consist of different components as, e.g. different microgels. The unique combination of techniques will enable in situ investigation of the influence of various stimuli on the morphology, viscoelastic properties as well as on the chemical functionality of soft matter both parallel and perpendicular to an interface. Functional microgels reveal very special properties it will become possible investigating the influence of “softness“ of nanometer-sized objects on their individuell deformation, interpenetration and how that influences the entire layer. Furthermore, it will be possible to develop functional coatings with applications, e.g., as sensors or in catalysis. The microscope will boost research within a CRC, Faculty 1 and the profile area Molecular Science & Engineering. It will significantly extend the current equipment at RWTH and neighbouring institutes.