MRI: Acquisition of Major Research Instrumentation for Fabrication and Characterization of Micro and Nanostructures for Sensing

这一主要研究仪器（MRI）的建议是收购扫描电子显微镜（SEM）与电子束光刻和EDX功能。该仪器将为南达科他州州立大学的微纳电子实验室（MiNEL）增加最先进的光刻、成像和分析能力。与智力价值相关，该设备将支持纳米传感器研究和开发方面的几个正在进行和拟议的跨学科研究项目，以及校园内其他部门的其他研究项目，包括化学，生物学和乳品科学。这些项目包括开发一种新的传感结构，用于监测空气质量和分析DNA;改进加工奶酪的质地和功能;开发纳米结构光伏器件研究计划;南极冰芯中火山灰颗粒的识别;以及动脉病毒编码蛋白质组装病毒样颗粒。拟议活动的更广泛影响包括利用这一工具，通过增加包括工程、化学、药学、生物学和乳品科学在内的几个学科的教学实验室模块，加强研究和教育基础设施。美洲原住民，一个代表性不足的群体，将受益于一个项目，将SEM研讨会纳入现有的推广计划，重点是一个主要的区域美洲原住民高中。经济发展将通过与当地工业的联合项目得到支持。在地方和州经济发展会议上展示研究成果将有助于展示研究与社会效益之间的联系，例如改善国土安全和健康。更广泛的受众，如K-12学生将达到一个网站，由扫描电镜拍摄的图像。该仪器还将加强最近成立的国家跨学科纳米技术研究中心和区域纳米技术倡议。

This major research instrumentation (MRI) proposal is for the acquisition of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with e-beam lithography and EDX capabilities. This instrument will add state-of-the-art lithography, imaging and analysis capabilities to the Micro and Nano-Electronics Laboratory (MiNEL) at South Dakota State University. Related to intellectual merit, this equipment will support several ongoing and proposed interdisciplinary research projects in nano-sensor research and development, as well as other research projects from other departments on campus including chemistry, biology and dairy science. These projects include the development of a new sensing structures for monitoring air quality and analysis of DNA; improvement of the texture and functionality of process cheese; the development of a research program in nano structured photovoltaic devices; The Identification of Volcanic Ash Particles in Antarctica Ice Cores; and the assembly of virus-like particles by arterivirus-encoded proteins. Broader Impacts of the Proposed Activity include using this instrument to enhance research and education infrastructure by adding instructional laboratory modules in several disciplines including engineering, chemistry, pharmacy, biology and dairy science. Native Americans, an underrepresented group, will benefit by a project to incorporate an SEM workshop into an existing outreach program focused on a major regional Native American high school. Economic development will be supported by joint projects with local industry. Presenting research results at local and state economic development meetings will help demonstrate the connection between research and societal benefit such as improved homeland security and health. Broader audiences such as K-12 students will be reached by a web site featuring images taken by the SEM. This instrumentation will also strengthen a recently established state interdisciplinary nanotechnology research center and a regional nanotechnology initiative.