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Award Abstract #0619238
MRI: Development of Magneto-Optic Near-field Scanning Optical Microscope (MO-NSOM) for optical characterization of nanostructures
| NSF Org: |
ECCS
Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems
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| Initial Amendment Date: |
September 13, 2006 |
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| Latest Amendment Date: |
June 11, 2008 |
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| Award Number: |
0619238 |
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| Award Instrument: |
Standard Grant |
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| Program Manager: |
Eric G Johnson
ECCS Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems
ENG Directorate for Engineering
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| Start Date: |
September 1, 2006 |
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| Expires: |
August 31, 2009 (Estimated) |
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| Awarded Amount to Date: |
$312000 |
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| Investigator(s): |
Holger Schmidt hschmidt@soe.ucsc.edu (Principal Investigator)
Anjan Barman (Co-Principal Investigator)
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| Sponsor: |
University of California-Santa Cruz
1156 High Street
SANTA CRUZ, CA 95064 831/459-5278
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| NSF Program(s): |
ELECT, PHOTONICS, & DEVICE TEC,
MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
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| Field Application(s): |
0206000 Telecommunications,
0306000 Energy Research & Resources
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| Program Reference Code(s): |
OTHR, 9251, 103E, 101E, 0000
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| Program Element Code(s): |
1517, 1189
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ABSTRACT
MRI: Development of Magneto-Optic Near-field Scanning Optical
Microscope (MO-NSOM) for optical characterization of nanostructures
Optical methods using visible or near-visible light are perhaps the most popular tools for sample characterization across virtually all scientific fields. Optical characterization on the nanoscale is hampered by the diffraction limit which can be overcome with near-field microscopy (NSOM), but at the price of more complex instrumentation. At this time, no instrument exists that provides polarization-sensitive detection with picosecond temporal and nanometer spatial resolution.
Intellectual merit: This proposal will develop a Magneto-Optic Near-field Scanning Optical Microscope (MO-NSOM). This will be the first instrument that combines nanometer spatial resolution, sub-picosecond temporal resolution, and polarization sensitivity. To accomplish this goal, the PIs will work with two industrial partners to significantly expand the capabilities of a commercially available microscope in all relevant areas ranging from light source to detection apparatus. They will carry out a diverse range of research projects, focusing on ultrafast nano-magneto-optics of individual nanomagnetic structures in dense arrays.
Broader impact: The picosecond MO-NSOM will be a valuable addition to nanoscale characterization instrumentation that combines a large set of capabilities that can be used individually or in combination. The results of the development effort will be disseminated through the participating companies and on the PI's website. Both graduate and undergraduate students will be involved in different aspects of the instrument development. In addition, the instrument will be used for course development in the Electrical Engineering department at UC Santa Cruz.
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