Sep 22 2010
A group of scientists from the Rutgers University have collaborated with the Seattle-based Nion, to develop an electron microscope that has the potential to not only view individual atoms, but also view the vibration of atoms. The microscope is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2012.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a $2 million funding to Rutgers for the electron microscope development. Philip E. Batson, a research professor associated with the University’s Institute for Advanced Materials, Devices and Nanotechnology, is the principal investigator of the project. Ondrei Krivanek of Nion, Sang Cheong of the University’s Physics department, Jing Li of the Chemistry and Chemical Biology department, and Fred Cosandey of the Materials Science and Engineering department are the co-principal investigators of the project.
Batson said that the electron microscope, after development, will be used in diverse applications, such as chemical reactions for producing hydrogen, converting light to electricity, and developing more efficient batteries.
A White House report stated that commercializing the technology will help in creating high-end technology jobs and lead to new research applications. The report added that the microscope project will also help in preparing next-generation materials engineers and scientists.