Access to Multi-functional nano-scale analysis system

MMU与制造商密切合作，开发了一种独特的多功能分析设备，该设备基于最先进的场发射枪扫描电子显微镜（FEG-SEM），具有纳米级分辨率。该设施提供了无与伦比的分析能力，具有一系列复杂的补充技术，可应用于样品的选定亚微米区域。例如，可以获得分辨率为5-10 nm的表面特征的放大视图，使用波长色散X射线（WDX）分析确定化学成分，通过电子背散射衍射（EBSD）研究微观结构，通过阴极发光研究电子性质，以及通过原位显微拉曼设施研究材料中的相和应力。样品可以保存在液氮温度下，以便对生物样品进行研究，或者高达400 ℃，以跟踪温度对所研究材料的影响。变压设备还允许分析绝缘材料，而无需镀金。这些技术中的许多技术本身都是成熟的，但是当它们结合在一起时，就会为研究人员开辟新的和令人兴奋的可能性。因此，本提案的目的是为寻求在广泛领域进行高质量纳米级材料研究的学术界成员提供使用该设施的机会。该仪器在使用点免费使用，内部专家将向用户提供适当的支持和协助。所有级别的用户体验都可以满足，我们甚至可以通过互联网链接提供远程访问。我们预计对这项服务的需求很大。事实上，我们自己对英国其他机构的学术同事的调查已经引起了希望加强其研究领域的研究人员的兴趣，包括颗粒分析，聚合物材料，薄膜，碳纳米管，太阳能电池材料，MEMS，半导体，矿物，微生物样品，考古样品和法医工作。为了确保这项服务的成功提供，我们将在现有的管理结构基础上，建立必要的程序和人员。为了使英国最好的学术材料研究能够从我们最先进的设施中受益，我们将设计和实施一项综合营销传播战略。这将包括组织定期用户组会议，提供培训教程和用户友好的基于网络的应用程序。

Working closely with the manufacturers, MMU has developed a unique multi-function analysis facility, based around a state-of-the-art Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscope (FEG-SEM) with nano-scale resolution. This facility provides unparalleled analytical capabilities, with a range of sophisticated complementary techniques that can be applied to a selected sub-micron area of a sample. It is possible, for example, to obtain a magnified view of surface features with resolution of the order of 5-10 nm, to determine chemical composition using Wavelength Dispersive X-ray (WDX) analysis, to study the microstructure by Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), electronic properties by Cathodo-luminescence and phase and stress in materials by the in-situ micro-Raman facility. Samples can be held at liquid nitrogen temperatures, allowing biological samples to be studied, or up to 400oC to follow the effects of temperature on the materials studied. A variable pressure facility also allows analysis of insulating materials without the need for gold coating. Many of these techniques are well-established in their own right, but when combined together open up new and exciting possibilities to the researcher. The aim of this proposal, therefore, is to provide access to this facility to members of the academic community seeking to perform high quality nano-scale materials research in a broad range of fields. Access to the instrument will be free of charge at the point of use and users will be given appropriate support and assistance by in-house experts. All levels of user experience can be catered for and we can even offer remote access through internet links. We anticipate a strong demand for this service. Indeed, our own survey of academic colleagues at other UK institutions has generated interest from researchers wishing to enhance their studies in fields including the analysis of particulates, polymeric materials, thin films, carbon nanotubes, solar cell materials, MEMS, semiconductors, minerals, microbiological samples, archaeological samples and forensic work. In order to ensure the successful provision of this service we will put in place the necessary procedures and staff, building on our existing management structures.In order to enable the best academic materials research in the UK to benefit from access to our state-of-the-art facility, an integrated marketing communications strategy will be designed and implemented. This will include the organisation of regular User Group meetings, the provision of training tutorials and user friendly web-based application processes.