MRI: Acquisition of an Atomic Force Microscope for Fundamental Research in Engineering, Biochemistry and Biology at Gonzaga University

该主要研究仪器奖支持在贡扎加大学获得最先进的原子力显微镜（AFM），该显微镜能够准确测量纳米级特征，变形和力，以及表面化学和机械性能。这些能力使贡扎加的众多多学科研究领域的基础科学研究成为可能，其中包括基于尖端的纳米级增材制造，纳米级摩擦学和材料科学，生物成像和生物生物力学。从这项研究中产生的知识可以促进新型先进纳米结构材料和传感器和设备的新纳米级制造方法的发展。对生物物理大分子相互作用的研究可能会导致对生物和生态系统功能的新理解。AFM将被整合到课程中，让本科生参与多学科，实验纳米科学和动手本科研究。该工具将加强贡扎加大学在大斯波坎和东华盛顿地区的外联工作，包括与区域学校、大学和当地产业的合作伙伴关系。该AFM能够对各种尺寸的样品进行成像，同时保持0.1nm的横向和垂直分辨率，以及100 pN的垂直和横向力分辨率。此外，AFM还可以在精确控制的温度（1摄氏度至300摄氏度）下进行静态或连续液体流动的测量，以及进行精确的纳米力学和电导率测量。这些能力将使发展的机制（物理和化学）的基本理解，其中在溶液中的纳米粒子与滑动运动下的基板相互作用，导致功能性纳米结构的生长。这些发现将加速新型纳米和微米级机电设备的开发，并在医疗保健和自动化方面具有潜在的应用。使用AFM的测量也将有助于建立滑动运动下形成的纳米级薄膜的机械性能与其摩擦和磨损性能之间的基本关系。这些结构-性能关系将使先进润滑材料的设计成为可能，对工业和运输系统的效率和可靠性产生变革性影响。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This Major Research Instrumentation award supports the acquisition of a state-of-the-art atomic force microscope (AFM) at Gonzaga University, which provides the ability to accurately measure nanoscale features, deformations and forces, as well as surface chemical and mechanical properties. These capabilities enable fundamental scientific investigations in a myriad of multi-disciplinary research areas at Gonzaga, which include tip-based nanoscale additive manufacturing, nanoscale tribology and materials science, biological imaging and organismal biomechanics. The knowledge generated from this research could catalyze development of novel advanced nanostructured materials and new nanoscale manufacturing methods for sensors and devices. Research on biophysical macromolecular interactions could lead to a new understanding of how biological and ecological systems function. The AFM will be integrated into the curriculum to involve undergraduate students in multidisciplinary, experimental nanoscience and hands-on undergraduate research. The instrument will enhance Gonzaga University's outreach efforts within the greater Spokane and Eastern Washington area, including collaborative partnerships with regional schools, universities and local industry. Student involvement through industry partnerships directly contributes to enhancing skills of future generations of the U.S. workforce.This AFM is capable of imaging samples of various sizes while maintaining a lateral and vertical resolution of 0.1nm, and a force resolution of 100pN in both normal and lateral directions. The AFM is furthermore equipped to allow measurements in static or continuous liquid flow at precisely controlled temperatures (within 1 degree C and up to 300 degrees C) as well as performing accurate nanomechanical and electrical conductivity measurements. These capabilities will enable the development of a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms (physical and chemical) by which nanoparticles in solution interact with substrates under sliding motion, resulting in the growth of functional nanostructures. These findings will accelerate development of novel nano and microscale electromechanical devices with potential applications in healthcare and automation. Measurements using the AFM will also help to establish fundamental relationships between mechanical properties of nanoscale films that form under sliding motion, and their friction and wear properties. These structure-property relationships will enable the design of advanced lubricant materials, with transformative impact on efficiency and reliability of industrial and transportation systems.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.