A nano analyzer for nano-characterizing tribo-mechanical properties of ultra-thin films, coatings and other surface layers

薄膜，涂层和其他表面层用于各种功能，装饰和保护目的，在无数的应用中，包括微纳米机电系统（MEMS/NEMS）。纳米材料的摩擦学、力学和形貌特性的表征对于开发具有更好表面性能的新型纳米结构薄膜/涂层以满足纳米科学和纳米技术快速发展的需求具有至关重要的意义。所提出的纳米分析仪将能够有效地定量表征超薄薄膜/涂层的表面形貌、硬度、杨氏模量、摩擦和磨损，而衬底效应可以忽略不计。由于萨斯喀彻温大学或该省其他地方没有类似的设备，因此该仪器的收购将对萨斯喀彻温大学现有的与薄膜，涂层和其他表面层相关的研究项目产生重大影响。该研究领域处于材料科学的前沿，该仪器将帮助研究人员在开发表面性能大大改善的材料方面做出高度原创的贡献，用于各种工业和生物医学应用。拟议的设备还将为高素质的学员提供获得纳米科学和纳米技术实践经验和专业知识的绝佳机会。

Thin films, coatings, and other surface layers are used for a variety of functional, decorative, and protective purpose in a myriad of applications including micro- and nano- electromechanical system (MEMS/NEMS). The characterization of their nano tribological, mechanical, and topographic properties is of paramount importance for the development of novel nano-structured thin films/coatings with much improved surface properties to meet the demand of rapid development of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The proposed nano analyzer will enable effective quantitative nano-characterization of the surface topography, hardness, Young's modulus, friction and wear of ultra-thin thin films/coatings with a negligible substrate effect. Since there is no similar equipment existing in the University of Saskatchewan or elsewhere in the province, the acquisition of the instrument will have significant impact on the existing research programs related to thin films, coatings, and other surface layers at the University of Saskatchewan. This research area is at the forefront of material science, and the instrument will help researchers make highly original contributions in the development of materials with much improved surface properties for various industrial and biomedical applications. The proposed equipment will also provide excellent opportunities for highly qualified trainees to gain practical experience and expertise in nanoscience and nanotechnology.