Longwood University Nanomaterials and Thin-Films Research Lab

EQUIPMENT

Atomic Force Microscope
We have a site-built AFM that uses RHK electronics. The recent addition of a high-bandwidth lock-in amplifier allows us to perform intermittent-contact mode imaging. We have also added a variable gain pico-amp current amplifier for surface conducting measurements. Scanning Kelvin probe microscopy is also possible with our system. The entire AFM can be located inside of our glovebox, resulting in well-controlled environments, and we are currently working on a temperature control module for variable temperature studies. Scidney Morris is shown in the picture to the right loading a sample under the scan head.

DC Sputtering System
We have the capability to sputter thin films of most materials. We have a 1" magnetron sputtering source w/ a 300W DC and a 300W RF generator. The sputter source is housed in a high vacuum system w/ integrated gas handling. Pressures 100 millions times lower than atmospheric pressure are achieved with a Varian turbo-molecular pump. Film thicknesses are monitored using a crystal sensor. The chamber is desgined to be expandable, and we anticipate adding a thermal evaporation source in the near future. Mario Jones is shown in the picture to the left advancing the substrate holder.

AC/DC Electrodeposition Station
Our lab has several flat electrochemical cells used for anodization and electrodeposition procedures. These cells have platinum mesh electrodes and are used to fabricate porous alumina templates via anodization and semiconductor nanowires via electrodeposition.

Source-measure units
We have a Keithley 2400 source-measure unit that is used for large-scale electrical characterization of films and nanowires. We also have several LabVIEW current and voltage DAQ modules.

Scanning Tunneling Microscope
We have a commercial nanoSurf EasyScan STM which is on long-term loan from the Department of Physics at Virginia Commonwealth University. However, we also have a site-built analog STM, built by one of our students as a research project. The tangled mess shown is an early proto-type of the electronics. The STM was built from approximately $75 worth of parts. Computer integration is a student project away. Learn more about this project on the following STM blog.