Award Abstract #0320534
MRI: Acquisition of a Magnetic Property Measurement System for Nanotechnology and Materials Science Research at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez

NSF Org:	CBET Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems
Initial Amendment Date:	July 10, 2003
Latest Amendment Date:	September 6, 2005
Award Number:	0320534
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	John R. Regalbuto CBET Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems ENG Directorate for Engineering
Start Date:	September 1, 2003
Expires:	May 31, 2006 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$311556
Investigator(s):	Carlos Rinaldi crinaldi@uprm.edu (Principal Investigator) Oscar Perales-Perez (Co-Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez PO Box 9001 Mayaguez, PR 00681 787/831-2065
NSF Program(s):	MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
Field Application(s):	0308000 Industrial Technology
Program Reference Code(s):	OTHR,9150,1401,1189,0000
Program Element Code(s):	1189

ABSTRACT

Through this grant, the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez will acquire a magnetic property measurement system that will support research and education

efforts in nanotechnology and materials science and engineering. The system, based on a superconducting interference device, will allow accurate determination of direct current magnetic properties (including magnetic anisotropy) of magnetic powders and films, as well as bulk materials. The

equipment will allow characterization of novel magnetically-active materials

such as magnetic nanoparticle suspensions and powders, soft and hard ferrites, metal and alloyed metallic nanoparticles, diluted magnetic semiconductors, and magnetically-active thin films. These materials have applications as novel magnetically-active colloidal extractants, in-vivo imaging agents, targeted magnetic carriers, magnetic cell sorters, sensors, high-density recording media, spintronic based systems, and components for microelectromechanical and

nanoelectromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS). The magnetization measurement capabilities and functionalities afforded by the magnetic property measurement system are truly unique and will serve to enhance ongoing and future research efforts in nanotechnology and materials science and engineering at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez. Furthermore, there are no

similar devices available in Puerto Rico, making acquisition of the

requested instrument a vital step in furthering the university's research goals, as well as a valuable addition to the Puerto Rico research infrastructure. There is a strong link between the university and several Minority Serving Institutions through the Nanoscale Interactions, Structures, and Applications Center.

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