MRI: Acquisition of Raman Micro-Spectroscopy System for Advanced Interdisciplinary Materials Research, Education and Training

技术摘要：NCAT将获得一种高分辨率的拉曼显微光谱系统，与传统的光谱技术相比具有三个显著的竞争优势(不需要样品制备，更快和更高分辨率的探测，以及非侵入性)。该仪器将具有以下技术特点：用于共焦拉曼分析的全自动化，用于大多数常规拉曼测量的高稳定性Bx41共聚焦显微镜，以及最重要的，用于薄膜和硅衬底应变测量的足够分辨率。该系统将配备激光激发套件、电动测绘压电平台、加热平台(支持室温至1500摄氏度)、能够在室内添加腐蚀性气体的能力、HJY催化池，以便在工作条件下对催化剂和其他材料进行原位拉曼测量，以及用于90度和180度激发的微型室，允许以最小的样品背景(杂散光、荧光和热发射)进行测量和偏振研究。拟议的微拉曼技术将通过在(I)先进陶瓷、(Ii)纳米复合材料、(Iii)摩擦学涂层、(Iv)燃料电池材料、(V)磁性薄膜(Vi)半导体和光伏材料(Vii)压电材料、(Viii)纳米膜聚合物和聚合物传感器、(Ix)纳米催化剂和(X)碳纳米管生长等领域的跨学科学习、发现、参与和卓越运营来增加我们的智力资本。这一制度对NCAT的许多研究和教育活动非常关键，NCAT培养了大量代表不足的少数民族博士生。NCAT购买并部署了最具战略意义的主要设备部件。我们现在正处于获得微拉曼技术的阶段，这直接关系到我们实现跨学科研究目标的关键路径。使用该设备的研究将导致对包括纳米材料在内的各种先进材料的理解取得重大进展。这一最先进的系统将为NCAT在先进材料和纳米技术方面的主要研究计划增加新的维度和能力。除了直接支持研究项目，这些设备还将用于本科生和研究生的教育和培训，以及我们的推广计划。材料开发中的创新需要各种表征技术的复杂相互作用。我们在NCAT的研究团队(得到各种资助机构的支持，包括国家科学基金会、国防部、能源部、NASA和其他机构)因培养出杰出的非裔美国人学士学位、硕士以及持有博士学位的工程师而在全国范围内得到认可。拟议的设备采购的研究和教育成果将大大改善NCAT的基础设施，并进一步促进先进材料工程作为一门统一的研究和教育学科。这将提高NCAT工程和科学课程的竞争力，为教师发展创造更好的条件，并吸引和招聘有才华的本科生和研究生，特别是来自代表性不足群体的学生。拟议的培训和教育设备的提供将有助于缩短现有MS和博士生的学习曲线，并为我们的课程增加一个新的层面。作为课程和研究计划的一部分，我们将邀请微拉曼光谱领域的领先科学家向我们的科学家和学生发表讲话。此外，NCAT将在它为当地高中例行组织的巡演中包括这种设备。

Technical Abstract:NCAT will acquire a high-resolution Raman micro-spectroscopy system with three significant competitive advantages over traditional spectroscopic techniques (lack of need for sample preparation, faster and higher-resolution probing, and non-invasiveness). The instrument will have the following technical features: full automation for confocal Raman analysis, high stability BX41 confocal microscope for most of the routine Raman measurements and most importantly, sufficient resolution for strain measurements in thin films and silicon substrates. The system will be equipped with laser excitation kits, motorized mapping piezo-stages, a heating stage (room temperature to 1500 degrees C capable), the ability to add corrosive gases in chamber, a HJY catalysis cell to allow for in-situ Raman measurements on catalysts and other material under working conditions, and a macro chamber for 90 degree and 180 degree excitation that allows measurements with minimized sample background (stray light, fluorescence, and thermal emission) and polarization studies. The proposed micro-Raman will add to our intellectual capital through interdisciplinary learning, discovery, engagement and operational excellence in the areas of (i) advanced ceramics, (ii) nanocomposites, (iii) tribological coatings, (iv) fuel cell materials, (v) magnetic thin films (vi) semiconductor and photovoltaic materials (vii) piezomaterials, (viii) nanofilled polymers and polymeric sensors, (ix) nanocatalysts, and (x) carbon nanotube growth. This system is highly critical to many research and educational activities at NCAT, which has produced a high number of underrepresented minority PhD students. NCAT has acquired and deployed the most strategic pieces of major equipment. We are now at the stage where acquisition of micro-Raman lies directly on the critical path to our interdisciplinary research goals. Research using this equipment will lead to significant advances in the understanding of various advanced materials including nanomaterials.Lay Abstract:Micro-Raman spectroscopy is a sophisticated materials analysis tool. This state-of-the-art system will add a new dimension and capability to NCAT's major research program in advanced materials and nanotechnology. In addition to directly supporting research projects, this equipment will be used for the education and training of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as for our outreach programs. Innovations in materials development require complex interplay of various characterization techniques. Our research team at NCAT (supported by various funding agencies, including the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, NASA, and others) is nationally recognized for producing outstanding African-American baccalaureate, masters, as well as doctoral degree-holding engineers. The research and educational outcome of the proposed equipment acquisition will be a significantly improvement in the infrastructure for NCAT and further promote advanced materials engineering as a unifying research and education discipline. It will result in increased competitiveness of the NCAT engineering and science programs and better conditions for the faculty development, and for attraction and recruitment of talented undergraduate and graduate students especially from the underrepresented groups. The availability of proposed equipment for training and education will contribute to shortening of the learning curve of the existing MS and PhD students, and adding a new dimension to our curricula. As part of the courses and research programs we will invite leading scientists in the area of micro-Raman spectroscopy to address our scientists and students. Also, NCAT will include this equipment on tours it routinely organizes for local high schools.