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User Capabilities
CINT capabilities are provided to users through the CINT Scientists
and other technical contacts. Listed below are brief descriptions of
these capabilities and the associated staff who use them for their nanoscience
integration research. In some cases, one capability may be used by several
staff members in distinct ways; hence we provide multiple contact names
in order that the prospective user may determine the appropriate staff
member through which the capability may be accessed.
We strongly encourage prospective CINT users to contact the person(s)
associated with a capability of interest in order ensure that the capability
will meet the needs of the user. We welcome user proposals that involve
multiple capabilities.
CINT has made arrangements for CINT users to also access other National
User Facilities at Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories. Prospective
users whose research would require capabilities at CINT and these other
User Facilities can submit one proposal to access the combined facilities.
I. CINT Experimental Capabilities
Synthesis / Fabrication
Techniques:
Physical synthesis of nanostructured materials
Our
physical vapor deposition (PVD) capabilities are used to synthesize metal,
alloy, ceramic or composite materials where the internal nanostructuring
dimension such as layer thickness, grain size or particle size may be
well controlled down to the nanometer level. Some examples include, but
are not limited to, nanolayered composites, metals or alloys with nanometer-scale
grain size, crystalline or amorphous matrixes embedded with nano-dots
with well-controlled sizes and spacing, nano-twinned materials, etc.
The total thickness of the sample may vary from sub-micrometer to a few
tens of micrometers. Through appropriate masking techniques, the films
could be pattern in shapes, e.g., as self-supported tensile samples.
Energetic ion or neutral atom bombardment during growth are used to tailor
the nanostructuring dimension, residual stress, texture, epitaxy, etc.
Post-deposition vacuum annealing or ion-bombardment facilities are also
available for modification of the PVD-synthesized materials. Collaborative
work on stresses and mechanical behavior, physical properties such as
magnetic, electronic and optical, thermal properties, fatigue, thermal
stability, fracture, and creep of these PVD-synthesized nano-materials
as a function of the nanostructuring dimensions is envisioned.
Capabilities available include:
- Electron beam evaporation
- Magnetron sputtering
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Amit Misra, amisra@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-9860
Dr. Michael Nastasi, nasty@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-7007
III-V Semiconductor molecular beam epitaxy
The
molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) capabilities allow the growth of As-based
III-V compound semiconductors. The system specializes in high-purity,
high-mobility materials grown with monolayer precision. Due to the high-mobility
nature of the system, only n-type doping using Si is available. Areas
of interest for growth available to CINT Users include:
- Low dimension semiconductor systems
- Quantum transport
- Electronic devices based on intrasubband transitions.
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. John Reno, jlreno@sandia.gov,
(505) 844-9677
Semiconductor nanowire synthesis
Our low pressure chemical
vapor deposition (CVD) system allows the synthesis of semiconductor nanowires
based on the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) technique. Currently this capability
is focused on silicon and germanium nanowire growth using silane and
germane along with p- and n-type electrical doping during growth using
B and P precursor sources. Deposited metal nanodots such as Au are used
to seed VLS growth. Areas of interest for CINT users and their anticipated
availability dates include:
- VLS growth of Si and Ge nanowires and growth kinetics studies (6/06)
- Synthesis and properties of electrically doped Si and Ge nanowires
(9/06)
- Synthesis and properties of Si/Ge linear and core/shell heterostructures
(12/06)
- SLS growth of quantum-confined semiconductor nanowires: II-VI, IV-VI, III-V, and III2VI3 nanowires are currently being prepared.
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. S. Tom Picraux, picraux@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-8554
Dr. Jennifer Hollingsworth, jenn@lanl.gov, (505)665-1246
Intermetallic and oxide synthesis and crystal
growth
Diverse capabilities and resources exist for the synthesis,
often in single-crystal form, of a variety of intermetallic and oxide
compounds and alloys. Our particular interest is in those materials
that display emergent nanoscale phenomena and novel ground-state properties. These synthetic
capabilities are also available as resources to provide source materials
for related CINT activities.
Associated Technical Contact :
Dr. John Sarrao, sarrao@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-0481
Epitaxial and nano-composite metal-oxide films
Wide use of metal-oxide
materials in future device applications is expected due to the tremendous
variety of phenomena that they exhibit such as high-temperature superconductivity,
ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity, ferromagnetism, and semiconductive
properties. Our pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and polymer-assisted deposition
(PAD) capabilities allow one to deposit epitaxial and nano-composite
metal-oxide films with superior properties over many conventionally utilized
materials in terms of functionalities. The PLD and PAD also allow one
to grow multilayer films for monolithic integration of dissimilar materials
with complementary functionalities on a single platform to fabricate
novel devices. Collaborations are welcome to explore new functional metal-oxide
films, investigate the effects of strain imposed by coherent epitaxy
on the properties of the films, and study nano-composite and multilayer
metal-oxide films. Capabilities available include:
- Pulsed laser deposition
- Polymer-assisted deposition
- Ion-milling
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Quanxi Jia, qxjia@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-2716
Electron beam lithography
The JEOL
JBX-5FE Electron Beam Lithography System is a field-emission system operating
at 50kV with a five inch stage. The minimum spot size is 5 nm and the
minimum achievable feature size is on the order of 20 nm. Typical feature
sizes are in the range of 50-250 nm. This instrument, in association
with etch and deposition capabilities, provides powerful nanofabrication
capabilities for a wide variety of materials and applications. Relevant
parameters include:
- Can handle nominally rectangular samples in the range of 5-25 mm;
- Can handle wafers of 2, 3, 4, and 6 inches in diameter
- Typical positive resist used is PMMA
- Typical negative resist is SAL-603 or NEB-31A
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Aaron Gin, agin@sandia.gov,
(505) 284-1260
Soft Nanolithography
Soft nanolithography refers to
a group of patterning techniques that complement UV and electron beam
lithography. These approaches bypass the harsh chemical and radiation
exposure often used in conventional lithography processing, making them
particularly useful for bio, organic, and molecular materials. For many
of these techniques, an elastomeric stamp (typically made of polydimethylsiloxane,
PDMS) with relief patterns is made from a “master” containing
the complementary patterns. In micro-contact printing (µCP), the
PDMS stamp is inked with molecules that form self-assembled monolayer
(SAM) on the surface of interest. Stamping results in an organic template
that consists of regions with different chemical properties and/or functionality.
These templates can be used for etching or direct crystal growth, to
name a few. In nano-transfer printing (nTP), a PDMS stamp is coated with
a thin layer of metal, which can then be transferred onto surfaces to
form metal patterns in an additive manner. Solution stamping nanolithography
(SSNL) utilizes sol gel precursors as ink to form functional oxide patterns
on a variety of surfaces without etching. We also have dip-pen nanolithography
(DPN) capability that uses an atomic force microscope tip to selectively
deposit or remove organic molecules and sol precursors on surfaces. DPN
enables us to extend the patterning feature size down to deep sub-micron
regime. Capabilities available to CINT Users include:
- Micro-contact printing of SAMs on metal, oxide, semiconductor surfaces
- Nano-transfer printing of metal patterns on to hard and soft substrates
- Solution stamping nanolithography of functional oxide patterns on
flat and curve surfaces
- Selective deposition of SAM molecules or sol precursors via dip
pen nanolithography
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Julia W. P. Hsu, jwhsu@sandia.gov,
(505) 284-1173
Polymeric monolayer systems
Surface properties are
critical in many nanosystems, and the control of surface properties such
as wetting, adhesion, and friction are of primary concern. Monolayer
synthesis allows researcher to tailor surface properties utilizing small
molecule organic synthesis and polymerization techniques. Either in
situ or ex situ syntheses can
be performed where appropriate and multilayers or gels may be produced
using similar techniques. Capabilities that are available include:
- Monolayer design and formation on planar, particulate, chip-based,
or other samples of inorganic oxides, non-oxidized metals, semiconductors,
polymers, etc.
- Synthesis of functional coupling agents, in particular those with
functionality.
- In situ modification of monolayer functionalities where
desired functionalities lack compatibility.
- In situ growth of polymer monolayers and mixed polymer
monolayers using free radical, ionic or coordination polymerization
reactions.
- A suite of characterization methods to determine or verify monolayer
functionality, structure, wetting properties, etc.
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Dale Huber, dlhuber@sandia.gov,
(505) 844-9194
Colloidal assembly/Surface templating:
Our facilities
are aimed at understanding interparticle forces, developing the science
of colloidal crystal (CC) assembly, and developing tunable behavior in
CCs through use of active materials and templating. Colloidal crystals,
i.e. space-filling assemblies of colloidal particles with long-range
translational symmetry, can exhibit photonic band gap (PBG) behavior
normally dictated by refractive index contrast, symmetry, and lattice
constant. The introduction of suitable photo-, electro- or chemically
active organic or hybrid material phases into the interstices or particles
of a colloidal crystal, however, can enable the reversible modulation
of the structural and optical characteristics of the CC through appropriate
stimulation. Our laboratory is involved with synthesis, templating, and
assembly of a variety of organic and inorganic particles. Characterization
methods include measurements of particle size distribution, interparticle
forces, rheology, contact angle, aggregation behavior, and optical properties.
In addition, electroactive particles and photoactive interparticle linking
agents have been developed and characterized. Capabilities available
to CINT Users include:
- Wet laboratory facilities for particle synthesis by methods
including Stöber sphere synthesis and rapid liquid phase nucleation
- DT1200 acoustic spectrometer for particle size distribution
and Zeta potential measurement
- Haaka RS300 rheometer for rheological characterization
- Hach turbidimeter for aggregation rate characterization
- Glove box chemical synthesis, dip coating, and spin coating
- Electrical and optical property characterization suite
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Nelson S. Bell, nsbell@sandia.gov,
(505) 844-6234
Colloidal synthesis: Semiconductor, metal, and magnetic nanocrystals
In
our laboratory we emphasize the preparation of “high-quality” semiconductor,
metal, and magnetic nanocrystals. We define success in part by our ability
to control size dispersity, particle crystallinity, particle stability,
and particle optical/electronic/magnetic properties. These criteria comprise
our definition of “high-quality.” Typically, our nanocrystals
are prepared with a target functionality in mind. We work closely with
physicists and spectroscopists who, through their advanced characterization
tools, inform our synthetic work. We strive to understand, for example,
the effects of particle size, particle shape, and particle surface structure
and functionalization on nanocrystal properties and, subsequently, to
optimize these properties. We focus on the preparation of new compositions
(core and core/shell materials; UV to visible to infrared absorbers/emitters;
ferromagnetic to superparamagnetic nanoparticles, etc.), new shapes (isotropic
to highly anisotropic), composite materials (e.g., high-density
nanocrystal/sol-gel processible blends), and biocompatible nanocrystals
(water-soluble and functionalized for binding to various biomolecules),
as well as self- and directed-assembly of films and composite structures.
Nanocrystal chemical-precursor development and ligand/surfactant development
are pursued when necessary.
Capabilities available include:
- Facilities for synthesizing and assembling colloidal nanocrystals,
and facilities for thin-film preparation, including air-sensitive handling
methods, LB trough, and multi-gun sputtering system
- Expertise in inorganic, organic, and materials chemistry
- In-lab (and partner-lab) facilities for microstructural, optical
and magnetic-properties characterization of nanoscale systems, including
UV-Vis, near-IR FTIR, fluorimeter, AFM, NSOM, MFM, TEM, optical microscopy,
and ultrafast laser spectroscopy
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Jennifer Hollingsworth, jenn@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-1246
Dr. Sergei Ivanov, ivanov@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-4379
Mesoporous materials
Our work combines inorganic and
hybrid (organic/inorganic) solution-based synthesis with molecular self-assembly
to arrive at porous and composite nanostructured films and particles
by simple evaporative procedures. Starting
with homogeneous solutions of amphiphilic surfactants, lipids, or block
copolymers, solvent evaporation drives the self-assembly of micelles
and further self-organization into periodic mesophases, serving to organize
added hydrophilic inorganic and/or hydrophobic organic precursors. Using
such solutions as ‘self-assembling inks’, we print these
periodic nanostructures onto arbitrary surfaces whose nano- micro- and
macro-structures can be defined further with light. Replacing standard
surfactant micelles with monosized nanocrystal micelles, we use evaporation-induced
self-assembly to develop robust, patternable 3D arrays of metallic, semi-conductor
or magnetic nanocrystals and to integrate them into devices or platforms,
where they can be interrogated electronically, optically, or magnetically. Recently
we discovered the ability of living cells to organize extended nanostructures
and nano-objects in a manner that creates a unique, highly biocompatible
nano//bio interface, mimicking the extra-cellular matrix. Using printing
and patterning techniques, we can integrate cells into platforms needed
for electronic, optical, and spectroscopic interrogation. Capabilities
include:
- Evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA) of nanostructured membranes,
porous electrodes, low k dielectric films on arbitrary surfaces
- Pore-gating with environmentally-actuated molecular valves
- Self-assembly and directed assembly of ordered organic/inorganic
nanocomposite films
- Self-assembly and integration of 2- and 3-D nanocrystalline arrays
- Lithographic definition and patterning of nano-structured films
- Thermal and plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition of conformal
oxides on nanostructures
- Aerosol-assisted self-assembly of controlled porous and composite
nano-particles
- Cell-directed assembly of bio/nano interfaces – cell immobilization
and patterning
- Sol-gel chemistry
- Superhydrophobic surfaces
CINT Distinguished Affiliate
Scientist:
Dr. Jeff Brinker, cjbrink@sandia.gov ,
(505) 272-7627
CINT Distinguished Affiliate Scientists can participate in user
projects via collaborations with CINT Scientists working in the Core
or Gateway Facilities and can co-mentor CINT Post-Doctoral Fellows.
Chemical synthesis of nanoscale electronic
materials
Inorganic and organic synthetic chemical procedures
leading to nanoscale electronic and optically active building blocks,
including semiconductor quantum dots, metal nanoparticles and conjugated
organic polymers are available. Capabilities include:
- Colloidal nanocrystal synthesis, as well as chemical-precursor and
ligand development (see above)
- Synthesis of water soluble conjugated polymers
- Preparation of nanostructured fibers and composites, including chiral
composites, involving conjugated polymers
- Synthesis and characterization of metal nanoparticles
- Stabilization of metal nanoparticles in solution
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Jennifer Hollingsworth, jenn@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-1246
Dr. Sergei Ivanov, ivanov@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-4379
Thin-film preparation
Preparation
and characterization of thin-films using chemical assembly routes is
possible for many different types of materials and substrates. The major
focus of activities is on different self-assembly routes to thin-film
materials, and on preparative strategies that involve combinations of
processing (spin or dip-coating; post-deposition patterning) with self-assembly
strategies. Specific capabilities available include:
- Dip-coating and spin coating of soluble polymers, including multi-layer
assemblies of water soluble conjugated polymers and other poly-electrolytes;
- Langmuir-Blodgett capabilities, including multi-layer deposition
and Brewster-angle microscopy characterization;
- Surface cleaning tools and techniques;
- Incorporation of nonlinear optical chromophores into amphiphilic
assemblies and Langmuir-Blodgett films;
- Self-assembled monolayer formation on metal and oxide surfaces;
- Thin-films of mesoporous and mesostructured silica;
- Patterned films of electronically active nanoscale building blocks
(conjugated polymers, fullerenes);
- Spatial patterning of organic thin films using masked deep-uv exposure
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Andrew Shreve, shreve@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-6933
Dr. Andrew Dattelbaum , amdattel@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-0142
Dr. Gabriel Montaño, gbmon@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-6776
Lipid membranes and self-assembled films
An assortment
of capabilities exists for the synthetic preparation of functionalized
amphiphiles and their incorporation in lipid vesicles, supported lipid
membranes, self-assembled monolayers on silicon surfaces, and Langmuir
films. The self-assembled films can be interrogated with a variety of
spectroscopic techniques, which include dynamic light scattering, fluorescence
microscopy and spectroscopy, NMR, and XPS, and at the nanoscale via in
situ AFM imaging and TEM. Interactions of metal ions,
small molecules, proteins, and whole cells against functionalized films
have been previously explored. The capabilities that are available to
CINT Users include:
- Wet laboratory facilities for the synthesis and characterization
of functionalized amphiphilic molecules
- Liposome preparation via sonicators and extruders
- Langmuir troughs for monolayer and multilayer film preparation
- Inverted fluorescence microscope coupled with intensified CCD camera
and CCD spectrometer for simultaneous imaging and spectroscopic characterization
of Langmuir monolayers
- Temperature controlled in situ AFM for nanoscale imaging
under varying environmental conditions
- Microcalorimetry to measure binding energies of protein association
at lipid membrane surfaces
- Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) characterization
of lateral mobility in substrate-supported lipid membrane assemblies
- Brewster angle microscopy for characterization of thin films
- Generation of patterned hybrid and supported bilayer assemblies
on derivatized substrates
- Synthesis and assembly of lipids incorporating molecular recognition
elements (peptides, chelates etc.)
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Andrew Shreve, shreve@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-6933
Dr. Gabriel Montaño, gbmon@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-6776
Dr. Jennifer S. Martinez, jenm@lanl.gov (505)
665-0045
Bio-inspired and bio-compatible materials
The biomaterials
synthesis capabilities will enable researchers to isolate, engineer,
and integrate biological molecules with nanoscale synthetic materials
and systems. Because native biological molecules are, in general, poorly
suited for integration with synthetic systems, we focus upon engineering
biomaterials specifically designed to function in synthetic nanosystems.
Additionally, functionalization of biological molecules will be studied
with respect to developing strategies for integrating living and non-living
components that have a common interface. The capabilities that are available
to CINT Users include:
- Isolation of genomic DNA, RNA, and plasmids from a variety of sources
such as bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotic cells
- Growth and maintenance of a range of organisms (e.g., thermophiles,
halophiles, etc.)
- Recombinant DNA cloning and expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic
systems
- Genetic engineering using reverse transcription, the polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) and site-directed mutagenesis (SDM)
- Expression, purification, characterization, and functionalization
of native and recombinant proteins
- Synthesis and functionalization of bio-compatible nanocrystal optical
and magnetic tags (semiconductor and metal nanocrystals)
- Design of heterfunctional biomolecules for materials assembly
- Mammalian cell culture (nanoparticle interactions, cell/sub-cellular
targeting of nanoparticles, etc.)
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. George Bachand, gdbacha@sandia.gov,
(505) 844-5164
Dr. Jennifer Hollingsworth, jenn@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-1246
Dr. Gabriel Montaño, gbmon@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-6776
Dr. Jennifer S. Martinez, jenm@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-0045
Biomolecular Recognition
Nature utilizes molecular
recognition for the control of protein-protein and protein-inorganic
interactions that are key for control of cell-cycle processes and for
the exquisite assembly of inorganic materials. We have the ability to
create recognition molecules through biological means (phage display).
These ligands can be used for recognition ligands in biosensors or for
the hierarchical assembly of materials with emergent properties.
Nanomaterials assembly:
- Phage display with custom peptide/scFv libraries
- Advanced peptide synthesis and characterization
- Amphiphilic assemblies
Biosensor development:
- Recognition ligand generation against proteins or organisms
- Integration of ligands with devices/surfaces
- Biosensor testing
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Jennifer S. Martinez, jenm@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-0045
MEMS and NEMS fabrication and characterization
The
MEMS/NEMS fabrication and characterization capability enables the creation
of micromechanical and nanomechanical structures that are used to understand
phenomena associated with the motion, displacement, or vibration of structures.
Some research activities supported by this capability include studies
of the size-, geometry-, material-, surface-, and temperature-dependence
of mechanical dissipation in MEMS/NEMS resonators, studies of the mechanical
properties and of mechanical deformation and fracture in thin film materials,
studies of chemical, biological, or environmental sensing using mechanical
structures, studies of phonon transport in geometrically-confined structures,
and the development of new mechanical structures, such as custom cantilevers,
for scanning probe microscopy. The following capabilities will be available:
- MEMS and NEMS surface micromachining , including contact mask and
e-beam lithographic patterning , dry etching, and wet release.
- Laser light scattering in vacuum for detection of MEMS resonator
motion, resonance frequency, and quality factor.
- Ultra-high vacuum, variable temperature AFM/STM for mechanical probing
and scanning probe tip development and testing.
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. John P. Sullivan, jpsulli@sandia.gov,
(505) 845-9496
Characterization Techniques:
Atom tracking scanning tunneling microscopy
Our atom-tracking
scanning tunneling microscopes (STM) are used to study the motion of
individual atoms, molecules, or clusters over crystal surfaces as a function
of temperature. In atom-tracking mode the STM probe tip is “locked” onto
a diffusing adsorbate using lateral, X-Y, feedback and the diffusion
path is continually monitored. This mode increases the time resolution
of kinetic measurements by a factor of 1000 over conventional STM imaging.
Facilities that will be available include:
- Atom-tracking STM studies (selected metals, Si, Ge)
- Kinetic modeling of surface diffusion
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Brian Swartzentruber, bsswart@sandia.gov,
(505) 844-6393
High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope and Focused Ion
Beam
The Nova 600 Nanolab from FEI Company combines ultrahigh
resolution SEM with FIB capabilities in one machine for sample analysis,
2D and 3D machining, and prototyping. The resolution of 1.1 nm at 15 kV
in secondary electron mode is further enhanced when using the STEM detector.
This DualBeam TM machine also allows for electron and ion induced deposition
of metals from gas source precursors (currently, Pt) with line widths
of 50 nm (ion beam) and 20 nm (electron beam). An auto FIB, auto TEM,
and pattern generation module is available for ion milling to provide
automation of many tasks.
Associated CINT Scientist:
Dr. Elshan Akhadov, akhadov@lanl.gov,
(505) 664-0343
Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope
The Quanta
400 FEG from FEI Company is a high resolution electron microscope that
allows data collection from a variety of samples due to its ability to
image at relatively high background pressures while reducing sample charging.
The system is equipped with a cooling stage, solid-state STEM detector,
BSE detector, and Genesis EDS.
Associated CINT Scientist:
Dr. Elshan Akhadov, akhadov@lanl.gov,
(505) 664-0343
Transmission Electron Microscopy
A Tecnai G(2) F30 S-Twin
300 kV transmission electron microscope made by FEI Company is being
purchased for CINT. The instrument has a resolution in TEM mode of 0.20
nm at 300 kV, but is being configured to operate also at 200 kV and 100
kV with resolutions of 0.25 and 0.32 nm, respectively. The unit is equipped
with scanning capability with a resolution of 0.14 nm in high-angle annular
dark-field (HAADF) mode. The instrument will also be equipped with energy-dispersive
x-ray analysis for detection of characteristic x-rays for elemental analysis,
and with an electron energy-loss spectrometer for characterizing composition
as well as for energy-filtered imaging.
The instrument is envisioned to be used for characterizations of materials
at the nanometer-scale, for imaging small nanostructures or nano-components
being integrated together, and for in situ experimentation of nanostructure
materials such as tensile testing or elevated temperature reactions.
The TEM is scheduled for deliver in early Spring 2006 and expected to
be in operation later in the year.
Associated CINT Scientist:
Jianyu Huang, jhuang@sandia.gov,
(505) 284-5963
Variable and low temperature electronic
transport
The electronic properties of nanoelectronic structures
exhibit quantum mechanical and interaction effects at low temperatures
and high magnetic fields. Devices designed to explore these effects
can be fabricated on compound semiconductor heterostructures using
standard microfabrication techniques. The primary capabilities for
transport characterization of nanoelectronic devices will be a rapid
turn-around 3He system for 0.3 K to 300 K, and a dilution refrigerator
for reaching 0.02 K. These systems will be in a 13 T wide bore magnet.
Associated CINT Scientists :
Dr. Michael P. Lilly, mplilly@sandia.gov,
(505) 844-4395
Dr. Julia W. P. Hsu, jwhsu@sandia.gov,
(505) 284-5470
Optical spectroscopy
Optical spectroscopy is an essential
tool for the characterization of many nanomaterials. Although these techniques
are not capable of directly resolving individual nanostructures they
can be used for investigating important nanoscale processes such as energy
transfer and plasmonic transport. The available capabilities include:
- Optical spectroscopy, UV-Vis, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, FTIR
- Raman and Infrared Spectroscopy
- Ellipsometry
- Attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy;
- Thin-film waveguide characterization;
- Light scattering
- Interferometry
- Cryogenic and magnetic fields in combination with optical spectroscopy
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Igal Brener, ibrener@sandia.gov, (505) 844-8097
Dr. Andrew Shreve, shreve@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-6933
Dr. Rohit Prasankumar, rpprasan@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-2993
Dr. Han Htoon, htoon@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-9777
Dr. Toni Taylor, ttaylor@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-0030
Optical microscopy and single molecule spectroscopy
Advanced
spectroscopic techniques can be combined with optical microscopy to provide
a suite of tools for characterizing the spatially dependent properties
of nanoscale materials. The available capabilities include:
- Microscopy: : light, fluorescence, and high-resolution hyper-spectral
- Single-molecule fluorescence detection, imaging and spectroscopy
techniques including : confocal scanning microscopy (one- and
two-photon excitation) ; wide-field, CCD camera imaging using
epi-illumination or total internal reflection excitation ; single-molecule
fluorescence flow cytometry ; time-correlated single-photon counting ;
fluorescence correlation spectroscopy; polarization anisotropy
- Near-field scanning optical microscopy, combined with both cw and
transient absorption spectroscopy
- Low temperature optical microscopy/spectroscopy in combination with
various scanning probe techniques
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Igal Brener, ibrener@sandia.gov, (505) 844-8097
Dr. Peter Goodwin, pmg@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-2092
Dr. Victor Klimov, klimov@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-8284
Dr. Han Htoon, htoon@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-9777
Ultrafast laser spectroscopy
Ultrafast spectroscopy
provides important information about the excitation and relaxation dynamics
occurring in nanomaterials. A suite of ultrafast excitation and diagnostic
capabilities, spanning wavelengths from the ultraviolet to the far-infrared
are available for dynamic nanoscale characterization. These capabilities
enable coherent quantum control experiments, as well as experiments for
dynamic materials characterization. The available capabilities include:
- Femtosecond broadband transient absorption spectroscopy (infrared
to ultraviolet)
- Time-resolved femtosecond photoluminescence
- Degenerate and non-degenerate four-wave mixing
- Optical pump/terahertz probe spectroscopy
- Ultrafast scanning tunneling microscopy
- Ultrafast optical characterization at photonic wavelengths (1.55
m m)
- Femtosecond pulse shaping capability with 20 fs optical pulses and
electric field measurement diagnostics
- Cryogenic and magnetic field in combination with ultrafast spectroscopy
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Igal Brener, ibrener@sandia.gov, (505) 844-8097
Dr. Anatoly Efimov, efimov@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-5506
Dr. Victor Klimov, klimov@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-8284
Dr. Toni Taylor, ttaylor@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-0030
Dr. Rohit Prasankumar, rpprasan@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-2993
Dr. Han Htoon, htoon@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-9777
Single-molecule
manipulation, biomolecular motor mechanics and application of calibrated
magnetic forces
Instrumentation for parallel application of calibrated
vertical magnetic forces with simultaneous evanescent wave scattering
readout of polymer length. Suitable for:
- Unzipping individual short DNA molecules to monitor protein binding,
measure equilibrium association constants, and probe binding kinetics
with dynamic force spectroscopy (DFS).
- Epi-illumination tethered particle motion (TPM) monitoring of single-molecule
transcription with and without dynamic magnetic forces.
- Characterizing unbinding forces of any receptor-ligand system that
can be set up in the magnetic microsphere / planar glass slide configuration.
Instrumentation for application of calibrated horizontal magnetic forces
or application of fields using customized magnetic pole piece configurations.
Suitable for:
- Calibrating magnetic forces on polymer / superparamagnetic nanoparticle
composites using micromachined piconewton force sensing spring; sensitive
to 300 femtograms magnetite (or equivalent sat. moment), 1 pN force
sensitivity, and >= 500 nm microsphere radius.
- Laterally stretching / unzipping single molecule tethers (e.g. lambda
DNA, chromatin) monitoring force-extension with cross-correlation video
tracking.
- Application of forces to molecular motor / shuttle systems via attached
magnetic microspheres.
- In-cell manipulation of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles.
Custom software applications for tethered particle motion (TPM) analysis,
in-plane motion tracking, dynamic force spectroscopy (DFS) analysis and
simulation, polymer force-extension modeling.
Associated CINT Scientists & Technical Contacts:
Dr. Peter Goodwin, pmg@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-2092
Dr. George Bachand, gdbacha@sandia.gov,
(505) 844-5164
Ion Beam Materials Laboratory
The core of the laboratory
consists of a 3.2 MV Pelletron ® tandem
ion accelerator and a 200 kV ion implanter. The tandem accelerator has
five beam lines with a series of experimental stations that support various
research programs. The operation of IBML and its interactions with users
are organized around core facilities and experimental stations. The IBML
provides and operates the core facilities, while supporting the design
and implementation of specific apparatus needed for experiments requested
by users of the facility. This results in a facility with competencies
in routine ion beam experiments and the versatility to cater to the individual
researchers needs. Detailed information is available at http://www.lanl.gov/mst/ibml/.
Available capabilities include:
- Materials modification and synthesis through ion implantation with
various ion species (gases, transition metals and rare earth) under
various temperatures
- Materials characterization using ion beam analysis techniques:
- Rutherford backscattering spectrometry
- High energy elastic scattering spectrometry
- Elastic recoil detection analysis or Forward recoil spectrometry
- Nuclear reaction analysis
- Particle induced X-ray emission spectroscopy
- Ion channeling with a 5-axis goniometer
- Ion beam induced radiation damage in metals, semiconductors, and
insulators
- Alpha radiolysis of gases, liquids, and polymers (FTIR and RGA)
- Nuclear microprobe for ion beam microanalysis and microfabrication
- Joint target chamber for Implanter and Accelerator to conduct in
situ ion implantation and ion beam analysis
Associated CINT Scientists & Technical Contacts:
Dr. Michael
Nastasi, nasty@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-7007
Dr. Yongqiang Wang, yqwang@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-1596
In-situ mechanical testing
The in-situ mechanical
testing capability is focused on studying the fundamental correlations
between microstructural evolution and both applied and intrinsic stresses
in thin film. A primary objective of this work is to determine the stress
relaxation mechanisms that dominate in the submicron to nano-meter regime.
This includes the study of the effect of both decreased external dimensions
and grain size on stress relaxation processes, e.g. dislocations, fracture,
grain-boundary sliding. A second objective is to determine the mechanisms
inducing stress during electrodeposition of metals. Of particular interest
is the link between the nucleation morphology and the final film stress.
The following capabilities will be available:
- In-situ stress and polarization measurements during electrodeposition
of Ni, Ni alloys, and Cu and their alloys
- Development of an in-situ MEMS tensile tester for quantitative
stress analysis of free-standing metal films during TEM imaging (with
a concentration on examining the effects of scale on deformation processes)
- Electro-deposition and physical phase deposition of metals, contact
mask lithography, and e-beam lithography
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Sean Hearne, sjhearn@sandia.gov,
(505) 845-0804
Mechanical properties from very small regions
The mechanical
properties of thin films and layered materials or very small volumes
of materials cannot be measured using conventional techniques. Nanoindentation
methods have been developed to probe materials at depths of tens of nanometers
over regions with dimensions of hundreds of nanometers. Using continuous
stiffness measurement, we have the capability to measure changes in mechanical
properties as a function of depth. Substrate or layering effects can
also be examined. We have also measured material length scales and size
effects resulting from dislocation concentrations and dislocation interactions
with other structural defects. Changes in material properties resulting
from impurities, second phase inclusions or engineered nanostructures
can also be measured. Specific capabilities include two nanoindenters
with continuous stiffness measurement up to 2 N, lateral force measurement,
AFM scanning, nanopositioning, and a thermal stage.
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Greg Swadener, swadener@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-9952
Dr. Amit Misra, amisra@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-9860
Dr. Michael Nastasi, nasty@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-7007
Low temperature electronic transport
The electronic
properties of nanoelectronic structures exhibit quantum mechanical and
interaction effects at low temperatures and high magnetic fields. Devices
designed to explore these effects can be fabricated on compound semiconductor
heterostructures using standard microfabrication techniques. The primary
capabilities for transport characterization of nanoelectronic
devices will be a rapid turn-around 3He system for reaching 0.3
K, and a dilution refrigerator for reaching 0.02 K. These systems
will be in a 13 T wide bore magnet.
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Michael P. Lilly, mplilly@sandia.gov,
(505) 844-4395
Atomic force microscopy, near field and fluorescence imaging
Full
imaging and characterization of biological interfaces and electronic
materials and devices are available. On-going projects include membranes
and model lipid systems, and defects in wide bandgap semiconductors.
The facility will include atomic force microscopy in ambient and fluid
environments, in tandem with far-field fluorescence imaging and apertureless
near-field imaging. Facilities that will be available include:
- Atomic force microscopy: topography, phase imaging
- Atomic force combined with fluorescence microscopy, including apertureless
near-field techniques
- Conducting tip atomic force microscopy: scanning capacitance, scanning
Kelvin force, piezoelectric force, and scanning current-voltage microscopy
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Julia W. P. Hsu, jwhsu@sandia.gov,
(505) 284-1173
Dr. Han Htoon, htoon@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-9777
Dr. Gabriel Montaño, gbmon@lanl.gov,
(505)667-6776
Interfacialforcemicroscopy
The
Interfacial Force Microscope (IFM) is a unique, Sandia-developed scanning
force-probe technique featuring a mechanically stable, self-balancing
force sensor, which has the capability to quantitatively measure normal
and lateral interfacial forces at the nanoscale. Current interests for
IFM applications include: (1) studies of the fundamental mechanisms underlying
molecular-level friction for functionalized surfaces; (2) studies of
the nanomechanical properties of self-assembled films, interphase materials
and solid surfaces, including molecular films, polymers and metals; and
(3) studies of the fundamental aspects of charge transfer in various
systems under non-contact, contact and under applied stress. The capabilities
that are currently available include:
- IFM instrumentation with broad facilities for tip and sample preparation
and analysis, molecular self assembly and environmental control;
- Controlled Imaging capabilities for quantitative analysis of, e.g.,
morphology, complex-modulus mapping, conductance, friction, etc.
- Control of tip material, size, shape and chemical functionality;
- Considerable experience in data analysis to obtain fundamental materials
properties.
Associated CINT Scientists:
Dr. Bruce Bunker, bcbunke@sandia.gov,
(505)844-5470
Dr. Jack E. Houston, jehoust@sandia.gov,
(505) 844-8939
Dr. Brian Swartzentruber, bsswart@sandia.gov,
(505) 844-6393
Low energy electron microscopy/scanning tunneling microscopy
(LEEM/STM)
The low energy electron microscope (LEEM) is a unique and versatile
surface microscope that can be used to view dynamic processes on surfaces
in real time with a spatial resolution of 7-8 nm and a depth resolution
of one atomic layer. The LEEM provides high image contrast between regions
on a surface with different atomic structures or chemical compositions.
Because it is a non-scanning microscope, dynamic processes can be observed
with a time resolution limited only by the video recording rate of the
image acquisition system. Our LEEM is being combined with an atom-tracking
scanning tunneling microscope (see page 7) allowing real-space imaging
of the same sample surface on length scales from atoms to microns. The
combined instrument will be available starting June 2006. Current interests
for LEEM/STM applications include: 1) studies of the fundamental mechanisms
underlying self-assembly and pattern formation on solid surfaces, 2)
studies of the evolution of surface morphology including thermal smoothing
mechanisms, and 3) studies of the fundamental aspects surface phase transitions
and surface chemical reactions.
Specific capabilities of the LEEM/STM include:
- Ultra-high vacuum (<1x10 -10 Torr) in main chamber
- Sample cleaning by ion bombardment and thermal annealing
- Surface characterization by Auger Electron Spectroscopy
- Images can be recorded with the sample at temperatures from 200
K to 1800 K
- Images can be recorded with a flux of atoms or molecules impinging
on the surface
- Ultra-high vacuum transfer to atom-tracking scanning tunneling microscope
Associated Technical Contact and CINT Scientist:
Dr. Gary
L. Kellogg, glkello@sandia.gov,
(505) 844-8939
Dr. Brian Swartzentruber, bsswart@sandia.gov,
(505) 844-6393
Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy
The Magnetic Resonance
Force Microscope (MRFM) is a unique instrument that allows 3D microscopic
imaging of magnetic entities, such as magnetic clusters, surfaces, and
buried interfaces. MRFM is based on a mechanical detection of magnetic
resonance signals. In conjunction with the AFM-like surface resolution
it enables spatial imaging, similar to the conventional Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI) but with much higher accuracy.
We are capable to carry out the measurements in the fields up to 6T
and temperatures down to 4K with the resolution of ~ 10 3 electron spins.
Facilities that will be available include:
- MRFM studies
- Ferromagnetic Resonance Force Microscopy (FMRFM) studies
Associated Technical Contacts:
Dr. Roman Movshovich, roman@lanl.gov,
(505)667-7499
Physical characterization at extremes of parameter space
This
characterization capability includes the measurement of transport properties
and magnetic susceptibility as functions of temperature, pressure and
magnetic field. Electrical resistivity and potentially Hall effect can
be measured on solid samples at pressures to 1.6 GPa, temperatures from
0.35 to 300 K and in magnetic fields to 8 T can provide information about
electronic scattering mechanisms and carrier density. Magnetic susceptibility/magnetization
measurements give magnetic properties of nano-sized particles and are
performed in the temperature range 2<T<350
K, in fields to 7 T and at pressures to 0.6 GPa. Specific heat on mg-size
solids samples can be measured at atmospheric pressure in fields to 9
T and in the temperature range 0.35 to 300 K. This measurement gives
the electronic density of states, entropy as a function of temperature,
and characteristic phonon frequency.
Associated Technical Contact:
Dr. Joe D. Thompson, jdt@lanl.gov,
(505) 667-6416
Micro- / nano- fabrication
The fabrication capabilities provide researchers with distinctive platforms for investigating standard or hybrid materials. Our facility has an unrestricted tool set, which accommodates a wide range of substrates, films, and chemicals. We work closely with other centers/laboratories to allow integration of unique materials or processes into prototype micro/nano systems. The capabilities that are available to CINT Users include:
Fabrication capabilities:
- Contact mask photo-lithography
- Contact mask design and fabrication (CY08)
- Metal deposition (E-beam evaporation)
- Dielectric film growth and deposition (thermal oxidation, physical vapor deposition, and plasma deposition)
- Fluorine reactive ion etching, Chlorine reactive ion etching, and Deep reactive ion etching (CY08)
- Rapid Thermal Annealing
- Plasma and UV/Ozone cleaning
- Wet chemistries
- Wafer dicing and lapping
- Electroplating (CY08)
Inspection capabilities:
- SEM / EDAX
- Optical Microscope
- Profolometer
- Probe-station
- Flexus
- Ellipsometer
Associated CINT Scientists & Technical Contacts:
Dr. Sean Hearne, sjhearn@sandia.gov, (505) 845-0804
Dr. Elshan Akhadov, akhadov@lanl.gov, (505) 664-0343
II. CINT Theory and Simulation Capabilities
The advances of computing technologies and modeling approaches have
enabled detailed studies of collective and cooperative materials phenomena
at various length scales. However, it is well recognized that fundamental
understanding of the behaviors of nanostructured materials will not be
addressed by simple extensions of current theoretical methods that are
focused on either atomic or macro scales, but will require bridging the
gap between these scales with new concepts, new modeling frameworks and
new simulation schemes. The Theory and Simulation thrust area will support
CINT Users by providing expertise in a number of fields including theory,
predictive capability development, interpretation and design of experiments,
multiscale material modeling, and large scale computing. The capabilities
that are available to CINT Users include:
- Simulation tools for computational materials science
- LAMMPS: a parallel molecular dynamics code for classical atomistic
and coarse grained level simulations (Stevens)
- GRASP: a parallel molecular dynamics code with reactive force
fields (Stevens; Tretiak)
- TRAMONTO: a parallel, classical density functional theory code
for atomic and polymeric fluids (Frischknecht)
- SPaSM: a high-performance parallel molecular dynamics code for
very large scale simulations with embedded atom method (EAM) and
modified embedded atom method (MEAM) potential (Tretiak)
- Socorro: a parallel quantum density functional theory code for
investigating the electronic structure and predicting ground state
and dynamical properties of systems containing up to 1000 atoms
(Modine)
- A variety of tools for visualization and analysis (Balatsky)
- Atomistic and coarse-grained models for studying the self-assembly
of polymeric and biological materials, biomolecular dynamics, and
interfacial interactions
- First-principles quantum and quantum/classical modeling of the
effects of surfaces, interfaces, and defectson chemical,
electronic, and mechanical dynamics
- Theory and simulation of complex fluids including polymeric,
colloidal, and biological materials
- Large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of biomolecules and
molecular motors
- Computational models for complex fluids, polymer melts and networks,
self-assembled monolayers, and granular materials
- Effects of impurities, defects, surfaces, interfaces, and other
inhomogeneities on local electronic properties, and how they help
control functionality in nanoscale electronic devices
- Theory of single impurities in high temperature superconductors
- Theory of single spin dynamics on metallic surfaces
- Theory of electron tunneling through quantum dots with electron-electron
correlation, single molecules with electron-vibration coupling
- Theory of electron transport in unconventional (ferromagnetic,
superconducting, organic) tunnel junctions
POC: Dr. A.V. Balatsky, avb@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-0077
- Theory and models of multi-particle excitations and energy/charge
transport phenomena in semiconductor nanocrystals and their assemblies
- Quantum-chemical simulation of photoinduced adiabatic and non-adiabatic
excited state dynamics in conducting polymers and (bio)organic chromophores
- CEO: LANL-developed parallel molecular dynamics code based on
semiempirical approaches
- TURBOMOLE: ab initio molecular dynamics package
- Reduced Hamiltonian models for treating state crossings and conical
intersections
POC: Dr. Sergei Tretiak, serg@lanl.gov,
(505) 662-0466
- Computational modeling of nonlinear optical responses (e.g.
two-photon absorption, second and third harmonic generations) in
organic and organo-metallic chromophores
- Techniques: quasi-particle density matrix response formalism in
combination with time-dependent density functional theory
POC: Dr.
Sergei Tretiak, serg@lanl.gov,
(505) 662-0466
- Theory and models for nano-electro-mechanical and spin systems
out of equilibrium , such as single electron transistors
coupled to mechanical degrees of freedom
- Techniques: field theory Keldysh formalism for non-equilibrium
systems, approximation techniques based on separation of time scales,
impurity-averaged perturbation theory for studying disorder effects.
POC: Dr. A.V. Balatsky, avb@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-0077
- Theory of transport and optical properties of semiconductor
nanostructures and conjugated organic materials; properties of devices
fabricated from these materials
- Noise spectroscopy, single molecule spectroscopy, single spin
detection, inelastic tunneling spectroscopy, strongly correlated
electrons, scanning probes microscopy, DNA nanoelectronics
- Theory of quantum dynamics of coupled systems, including inelastic
tunneling dynamics and fast optical probes of correlated systems
- Techniques: exact diagonalization, Lanczos, and numerical quantum
dynamics in a large many-body Hilbert space
POC: Dr. Stuart Trugman, sat@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-1167
- Theory and modeling of ac transport in nano-devices; single-spin
measurement; spin qubits in solids
POC: Dr. A.V. Balatsky, avb@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-0077
For general information, contact:
Dr. Mark Stevens, msteve@sandia.gov,
(505) 844-1937
Dr. Alexander Balatsky, avb@lanl.gov,
(505) 665-0077
III. Other SNL/LANL National User Facilities
Los Alamos Neutron Scattering Center – LANSCE
For
detailed information see: http://lansce.lanl.gov/index_ext.htm
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory – NHMFL
For
detailed information see: http://www.lanl.gov/mst/nhmfl/
Combustion Research Facility – CRF
For detailed
information see: http://www.ca.sandia.gov/CRF/
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