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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number EP/T006412/1
Title Integrated atomic force and confocal fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope with fibre-coupled infrared detector for materials research
Status Completed
Energy Categories Renewable Energy Sources(Solar Energy, Photovoltaics) 5%;
Not Energy Related 95%;
Research Types Equipment 100%
Science and Technology Fields PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry) 25%;
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics) 50%;
PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials) 25%;
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator Dr I Martin-Fabiani
No email address given
Inst of Polymer Tech and Materials Eng
Loughborough University
Award Type Standard
Funding Source EPSRC
Start Date 01 December 2019
End Date 31 March 2023
Duration 40 months
Total Grant Value £817,064
Industrial Sectors No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Region East Midlands
Programme Energy : Energy, NC : Engineering, NC : Infrastructure, NC : Physical Sciences
 
Investigators Principal Investigator Dr I Martin-Fabiani , Inst of Polymer Tech and Materials Eng, Loughborough University (99.991%)
  Other Investigator Dr J Bowers , Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Loughborough University (0.001%)
Dr P Roach , Chemistry, Loughborough University (0.001%)
Dr E Mele , Inst of Polymer Tech and Materials Eng, Loughborough University (0.001%)
Professor M Lewis , School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University (0.001%)
Dr G Bolognesi , Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University (0.001%)
Dr K Morrison , Physics, Loughborough University (0.001%)
Dr P Borisov , Physics, Loughborough University (0.001%)
Dr J Petzing , Wolfson Sch of Mech, Elec & Manufac En, Loughborough University (0.001%)
Professor M Zanda , School of Science, Loughborough University (0.001%)
Web Site
Objectives
Abstract Our vision for the equipment is to make a step-change in the UK's engineering and physical sciences (EPS) research by establishing an area of niche capability and facilitating world leading materials science. To achieve this, we propose to provide a world leading instrument with a unique configuration for materials research as well as develop a critical mass of academic and industrial users, training the next generation of researchers in state-of-the-art techniques.We propose to purchase two complimentary pieces of equipment to be assembled and integrated in a single instrument: a multi-purpose atomic force microscope (AFM), and a confocal fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope (CFLIM). The top half is an AFM that enables characterisation of topography, mechanical, and electrical properties at the nanoscale of a wide range of materials, from semiconductors for PV devices to scaffolds for tissue engineering. The bottom half is a high-end confocal microscope which, instead of imaging based on the emission wavelength of the fluorescent labels in the sample, can measure their fluorescence lifetime, which is heavily influenced by the molecular environment. Our instrument presents a world unique feature which is a fibre-couple infrared detector to measure the fluorescent decay of semiconductor materials. There are no other AFM-CFLIM systems in the world with detection in the infrared, therefore our equipment would be one of a kind. Our equipment will become a global reference facility thanks to its unique configuration for materials science and establish a niche of research capability.The combination of AFM and CFLIM will shed light on key relationships between sets of properties which are not fully understood yet and will lead to the improvement and development of materials. It will benefit multiple research areas, such as: Solar technology and Energy Materials , as it would allow the correlation of crystalline structure, conductivity, and charge carrier lifetime, to maximize the efficiency of PV materials; Polymer Materials and Soft Matter Physics, where the understanding of the relationship between surface properties and the bulk chemical environment will boost the development of better and more sustainable functional coatings; and Biomaterials, as the provision of a full picture of the degradation of carriers and drug delivery will result in longer lasting implants. The instrument will also lead to new science, as the AFM cantilever has the potential for manipulation at the nanoscale. Moreover, we will provide a powerful tool for those industries that currently lack the knowledge that can be provided by the instrument, through our industrial partners that are either supporting this bid directly or partners in the EPRSC grants involved.
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Added to Database 23/08/19