Steven R. Higgins, Ph.D. - US grants

EAR-0345729
Higgins

This instrument development project will provide a new "Smart", in-situ, probe microscopy tool for investigations of mineral-water interfaces. The project objectives are to improve throughput of useful data, resulting in (1) a 10- to 100-fold increase in speed of "imaging" with negligible increase in noise levels and (2) the capability for locating discontinuities along linear or otherwise one-dimensional surface features. Through a 2-dimensional lateral feedback mechanism, the instrument will allow for tracking and tracing of surface sites of high reactivity, thereby eliminating the need for imaging other surface regions of considerably less importance. The advantages of these developments are the ability to observe molecular level surface structures responsible for surface reactivity and to follow the dynamics of these features in real time. The development of this Step Tracing Scanning Probe Microscope (ST-SPM) will involve design, construction and testing of the feedback electronics, custom microscope, and software interface. The initial application of the ST-SPM will be in the study of carbonate mineralization where surface dynamics will be directly observed using the improved instrument. The project outcomes will include development of new instrumentation for advancement of scientific research and enhanced scientific understanding. The ST-SPM, with its ability to recognize and follow particular surface features, may also have a large impact on crystal growth research, micro- and nanoscale device characterization, molecular electronics, and nanolithographic techniques, thereby enhancing scientific understanding across a range of interdisciplinary fields. Commercialization plans include partnering with a leading SPM manufacturer to evaluate this new technology and if feasible, make it readily accessible.

This Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education (NUE) in Engineering program entitled, "NUE-WSU Nanotechnology and Nanoscience Laboratory Experience", at Wright State University (WSU), under the direction of Dr. Hong Huang, represents a collaborative effort among faculty members with appointments in the Departments of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, and Physics at WSU. The primary goal is to develop a new, highly interdisciplinary laboratory course (Nanotechnology and Nanoscience Laboratory Experience) based on the investigators' expertise in cutting-edge nanotechnology research and educational areas. This will be the first nanotechnology/nanoscience laboratory on campus that will complement and strengthen the current, well-established Introduction to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and Materials for Nanotechnology lecture courses at WSU. This independent laboratory course will be open to undergraduate and graduate students across the aforementioned departments.

Theoretical concepts learned during the already established lecture courses will be reinforced and supplemented by hands-on experience in the laboratory. Upon course completion, students will improve or develop new skills that will be useful in future nanotechnology endeavors in the Dayton area (e.g. the Air Force Research laboratory and local industries specializing in nanotechnology), regardless of their majors. This new laboraory course will support the development of the next generation of nanotechnology scientists and engineers at WSU through advanced, early scientific education at the undergraduate level. The resources and results derived from this proposal will be presented to and shared with both the local and external scientific and non-scientific communities (e.g., open house events for K12 students, publications and conference presentatons, and the WSU website).