SPRs of Au Nanorods in Nanofibers
Chaoyang Jiang
Department of Chemistry, University of South Dakota
NNIN Facility utilized: Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500
MAJOR OBSERVATIONS


Shift of SPR peak due to
the changes in
composition, refractive
index, and inter-nanorod
distance.
The composite fibrous
films exhibit excellent
sensing capability.
980
960
Wavelength (nm)
Surface plasmon resonances (SPRs) of
gold nanorods in polymeric nanofibers
can be changed during a swelling
process.
 Understand the optical property of
the composite nanofibers
 Develop smart nanofibrous
materials for sensing and photonic
applications.
940
920
900
Acetone (1.359)
Hexane (1.375)
DCM (1.424)
Chloroform (1.446)
Toluene (1.497)
Ethanol (1.362)
880
860
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0
Percentage (wt.%)
Publication
SEM micrographs of a nanofibrous film taken with low voltage (left) and high voltage
(middle); TEM image shows the alignment of gold nanorods in the poly(vinylalcohol)
(PVA) electrospun nanofibers (right).
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
Y. Bao, H. Fong, C. Jiang,
Manipulating the Collective Surface
Plasmon Resonances of Aligned
Gold Nanorods in Smart
Electrospun Composite
Nanofibers. J. Phys. Chem.
C., 2013, 117(41), 21490-21497
MINNESOTA
AgNWs/PDMS Based Piezoresistive Sensors
Debao Zhou
Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Minnesota Duluth
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
MAJOR OBSERVATIONS
DESCRIPTION OF WORK



Deposition of gold trace and
treatment using oxygen plasma
on stretchable conductors
To observe the conductance and
contact resistance change under
the following procedure:

E-Beam increases the conductivity of the stretchable
conductors. Oxygen plasma reduces this
conductivity
E-Beam reduces the contact resistance. Oxygen
plasma increases the contact resistance
Publication


Debao Zhou, Haopeng Wang, Jing Bai and Jianguo Cao,
“Effects of Oxygen Plasma Treatment and E-Beam Evaporation
on AgNWs/PDMS Based Stretchable Electrode”, submitted and
under review, Dec. 2013
Debao Zhou and Haopeng Wang, “Design and evaluation of a
skin-Like sensor with high stretchability for contact pressure
measurement,” Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, 24:114-121,
Dec 2013.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Exposing UST Undergraduate Engineers to Nanoscience
Prof. Brittany Nelson-Cheeseman, ENGR361
School of Engineering, University of St. Thomas
NNIN Facilities utilized: Minnesota Nano Center & Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500
MAJOR OBSERVATIONS
DESCRIPTION OF WORK



Cleanroom Processing Tour
SEM Characterization Demo
Reverse Engineering by SEM/EDS
Analysis of Unknown Materials


First experiential exposure of students to:

Cleanroom facilities

Nanoscale processing techniques

Nanoscale characterization techniques
Able to correlate Structure results with Processing,
Properties, and Performance of harvested materials
Heating Element Characterization
SEM  Porosity
suggests sintering
EDS  Perovskite Titanate  Ferroelectric Heating
Mechanism Used
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Imaging Biofilms in Micro-Scale Porous Media Flow Cells
James Connolly1, Gabe Iltis2, Dorthe Wildenschild2, Robin Gerlach1
Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University1
Chemical, Biological & Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University2
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center

DESCRIPTION OF WORK
A

Develop a synthetic porous-media flow cell through
photolithography in which biofilm can be grown to be
microscopically imaged.

Compare confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and xray computed microtomography (CMT) biofilm imaging
methods.

Evaluate the use of two novel x-ray contrast agents for biofilm
imaging: silver coated micro spheres and barium sulfate
suspensions. These contrast agents rely on size exclusion to
capture the 3D features of biofilms.
This work is being supported by the National Science Foundation through
NSF Award No. DMS-0934696 and the by Office of Science (BER), U.S.
Department of Energy through Grant No. DE-FG-02-09ER64758, DE-FG0207ER64417 and DE-FG02-09ER64734.


1mm
C
MAJOR OBSERVATIONS

B
Photolithography is an effective way to manufacture microscale
flow cells for the microscopic study of biofilms in porous media
systems. These systems work particularly well with CLSM
imaging.
The use of silver microspheres as an x-ray contrast agent for
CMT is effective at capturing large biofilm features on the scale
of 0.5 mm. Barium sulfate captures smaller features but can
damage a delicate biofilm during injection due to its high
viscosity and mass.
D
Figures – (A) Micro flow cell with 100µm porous media
features. (B) CLSM image of a biofilm grown in the porous
media flow cell. (C) 2D projection of the same biofilm
(fluorescently stained) before x-ray contrast agent addition.
(D) The same system after the addition of silver microspheres
imaged with transmitted laser light.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
GaN Avalanche Photodiodes
SVT Associates, Inc.
Jesse J. Cole, Boris Borisov, Amir M. Dabiran, Peter P. Chow
NNIN Facilities utilized: Minnesota Nano Center and Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500 SEM
Avalanche Photodiode: Cross-section
UV light
DESCRIPTION OF WORK


GaN wafers with p-i-n structure were
grown at SVTA by using plasmaassisted molecular beam epitaxy to
control layer thicknesses and doping.
SVT Associates used UMN MNC
device processing tools to fabricate
GaN avalanche photodiodes from
these wafers.
Avalanche Photodiode: Plan View
Design
Fabricated
V
p-GaN
h+
h+
h+
i-GaN
e-
e- h+
A
ee-
n-GaN


Avalanche Carrier
Multiplication
Avalanche carrier multiplication makes it
possible to convert photons to electrons
with efficiency exceeding 100%.
Results confirm high external quantum
efficiency. The GaN APDs demonstrate
high performance such that each incident
UV photon generated over 900 electrons.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Soft Lithography Stamp for Solar Tents
PowerFilm, Ames, Iowa
Frank Jeffrey
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
DESCRIPTION OF WORK




Patterned mask was generated as a
starting point for creating a soft
lithography stamp.
The pattern was 5 micron feature size
on a repeating grid spacing.
The stamp supports roll-to-roll imprint
system.
It generates an optical layer for
enhancing current in a thin film solar
cell.




This work is being done under an
Army R&D contract led by Natick
Soldier Systems.
Direct application is for solar tents.
Wide range of dual use applications in
the commercial world.
Research on this enhancement is still
in the early stages of proof of concept
work.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Composition and Crystallinity in Electrochemically Deposited
Magnetostrictive Galfenol (FeGa)
Eliot C. Estrine, Matt Hein, William P. Robbins, Bethanie J. H. Stadler
NNIN Facilities Utilized: Minnesota Nano Center & Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500
Development of magnetostrictive
FeGa alloys


Applications include integrated
torque sensors, SONAR sensors
and nanowire transducers
Electrodeposition enables low
cost, uniform thin films as well as
high aspect ratio nanowires
Results



Composition measured as a function of deposition
condition (bottom left)
Thin film magnetostriction values obtained
X-Ray diffraction measurements (below) showed the
films are polycrystalline and verified observed
magnetostriction measurements
Publications:


E. C. Estrine, W. P. Robbins, M. M. Maqableh and B. J. H. Stadler,
“Electrodeposition and characterization of magnetostrictive galfenol
(FeGa) thin films for use in microelectromechanical systems ,” J.
Appl. Phys. 113, 17A937 (2013).
E. C. Estrine1 M. Hein, W. P. Robbins, B. J. H. Stadler, “Composition
and Crystallinity in Electrochemically Deposited Magnetostrictive
Galfenol (FeGa),” J. Appl. Phys., May (2014). Accepted for
publication.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Complex Oxide Thin Films for Magneto-optical Applications
Prabesh Dulal 1, Andrew D. Block2, Bethanie Stadler 1,2
1. Chemical Engineering & Materials Science 2. Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facilities utilized: Minnesota Nano Center and Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500
Research


Major observations
Work focused on the development of photonic
analogues of electrical diodes.
Search for a materials with high Faraday rotation and
low optical loss in communication wavelength that
can be used in the development of optical isolators.
EBSD (Electron Backscatter Diffraction) pattern of
yttrium iron garnet obtained using the EBSD detector of
the JEOL 6500.


Rare earth iron garnets exhibit high Faraday rotation and
low optical loss.
Different rare earth iron garnet lead to different directions of
Faraday rotation, which can be used to develop novel
garnet based waveguides with very low device footprint.
Optical micrograph (5X) of Terbium iron garnet waveguide
developed on silicon substrate using the MNC’s optical
phototolithography tools.
Publications


"Growth Parameters of Fully Crystallized YIG, Bi:YIG, and Ce:YIG Films With High Faraday Rotations." Block, A.D.; Dulal, P.; Stadler,
B.J.H.; Seaton, N.C.A., Photonics Journal, IEEE , vol.6, no.1, pp.1,8, Feb. 2014. doi: 10.1109/JPHOT.2013.2293610
"Quasi-Phase-Matched Faraday Rotation in Semiconductor Waveguides With a Magnetooptic Cladding for Monolithically Integrated Optical
Isolators." Hutchings, D.C.; Holmes, B.M.; Cui Zhang; Dulal, P.; Block, A.D.; Sang-Yeob Sung; Seaton, N.C.A.; Stadler, B.J.H., Photonics
Journal, IEEE , vol.5, no.6, pp.6602512,6602512, Dec. 2013
doi: 10.1109/JPHOT.2013.2292339
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Complex Oxides with Exotic Optical Properties for Photonic Applications
Bethanie Stadler (PI), Andrew Block
Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facilities utilized: Minnesota Nano Center & Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500
Development of Ceramic Materials
for Optical Applications


Developed Oxides

Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG)
Barium Strontium Titanate
(BSTO)

Fabricated YIG film with record Magneto-optical
effect
Successfully grown BSTO on silicon
Publications


[A. D. Block, P. Dulal, B. J. H. Stadler, and N. C. A. Seaton,
“Growth Parameters of Fully Crystallized YIG, Bi:YIG, and Ce:YIG
Films With High Faraday Rotations,” IEEE Photonics Journal, vol.
6, no. 1, pp. 1–8, Feb. 2014.
[1]D. C. Hutchings, B. M. Holmes, C. Zhang, P. Dulal, A. D. Block,
S.-Y. Sung, N. C. A. Seaton, and B. J. H. Stadler, “Quasi-PhaseMatched Faraday Rotation in Semiconductor Waveguides With a
Magnetooptic Cladding for Monolithically Integrated Optical
Isolators,” IEEE Photonics Journal, vol. 5, no. 6, pp. 6602512–
6602512, Dec. 2013.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Uniform Zinc Oxide Nanowire Arrays Grown on Nonepitaxial Surface with
General Orientation Control
Rusen Yang (PI), Ren Zhu, Wengui Zhang, Chao Li
Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facilities Utilized: Minnesota Nano Center & Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500



Implemented microfabrication
techniques in MNC to modify a
textured zinc oxide film
Grew zinc oxide nanowires on
the textured film
Characterized the morphology of
nanowires with JEOL6500 in
CharFac

Obtained nanowire array with uniform
alignment and vertical, tilted, and
lateral orientations
Lateral and radial nanowires on microstructures
Publication

Vertical nanowires on a patterned substrate
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
Ren Zhu, Wengui Zhang, Chao Li, and Rusen Yang,
Nano Letters 2013 13 (11), 5171-5176
MINNESOTA
Magnetic Noise Studies of Sub-Micron Square Py Dots
E. Dan Dahlberg (PI), Daniel Endean
Physics, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center and Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500
Project goal: determine the conditions
necessary to observe magnetic noise and
characterizes its properties
Transport Measurements of Magnetic Dots


Magnetic dots and non-magnetic contacts fabricated
using Electron Beam Lithography
4 terminal resistance measurements can extract the
dot magnetization
Observations and Results


Transport measurements extract of hysteresis loops
and reveal nature of magnetic reversal in the dots (a).
Electronic noise (b) associated with two level
switching (c,d) is observed in the transport signal and
is determined to originate from thermal fluctuations of
the magnetization.
Publications and Presentations


Endean, D., C. Weigelt, R. Victora, E. D. Dahlberg, Appl. Phys. Lett.
103, 042409 (2013).
Endean, D., C. Weigelt, R. Victora, E. D. Dahlberg, “Magnetic Noise in
Sub-Micron Square Py Dots.” (submitted).
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Controlled Doping of Silicon Nanocrystals Investigated by SolutionProcessed Field Effect Transistors
Uwe Kortshagen, Nicolaas Kramer, Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facilities utilized: Minnesota Nano Center and Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500





Silicon nanocrystals are formed using a
nonthermal plasma synthesis process.
The gaseous precursors of the dopants
phosphorus and boron are introduced during
the synthesis process, leading to n-type or ptype doped nanocrystals.
Using field effect transistors, the effect of
doping on the electronic properties of silicon
nanocrystals and the doping incorporation
efficiency are studied.
Introducing dopants significantly improves the
electronic properties of nanocrystal thin films.
A strong dependence of the doping efficiency
on the nanocrystal size was found. Also, the
majority of the dopant atoms are not
incorporated in the core of the nanocrystal and
remain on the surface.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Squeezing light in metal – insulator - metal (MIM) nanogap
Sang-Hyun Oh (PI), Xiaoshu Chen
Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center & Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500
Fabricating vertical and planar MIM nanogap

We present an atomic layer lithography method (Fig.1) to make
vertical MIM nanogap in optical opaque metal film by using
photolithography or focused ion beam, atomic layer deposition
and a tape based planar method.
Scanning electron microscope and transmission electron
microscope are used to characterize the width and uniformity of
nanogap. With the method, nanogaps could be made over a
wafer scale. (Fig. 2)
Film coupled planar MIM nanogap is made by applying gold
nanogap particles on alumina coated ultra smooth gold film
(collaboration with Duke University).


Fig.1
Fig. 2
MAJOR OBSERVATIONS

We observed transmission of visible light, near infrared
and terahertz wave transmission through the MIM
nanogap. We measured effective refractive index 17.8
in the near infrared.

By squeezing light into a gap 4,000,000 times smaller
than the wavelength, we got unprecedented field
enhancement of 25,000 in the terahertz range.

By changing the nanogap thickness from 0.6 nm to 25
nm using atomic layer deposition, we observed gap
plasmon mode in the planar gap shifting to shorter
wavelength when increasing gap thickness. And the
results are consistence with the nonlocal theory.
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig.1 Schematic of fabrication vertical MIM nanogap. Fig. 2 SEM and TEM (g, h, i, j, k), and optical image to show light transmission (l) and wafer scale pattern of the nanogap (m).
Fig.3 Light transmitted through 2, 4, 5 and 6 nm gap with nonpolarized, vertical and horizontal polarized light. Fig. 4 Dark field spectra from film coupled planar MIM nanogap with
different nanogap size ( indicated by numbers in nm) and a schematic showing the film coupled nanogap structure on the right.
Publications:
l
l
1. Xiaoshu Chen, Hyeong-Ryeol Park, Matthew Pelton, Namkyoo Park, Dai-Sik Kim, and Sang-Hyun Oh, Atomic layer lithography of wafer-scale nanogap arrays for extreme
confinement of electro-magnetic waves, Nature Communications 4, 2361 (2013).
2. Cristian Ciracì, Xiaoshu Chen, Jack J. Mock, Felicia McGuire, Xiaojun Liu, Sang-Hyun Oh and David R. Smith, Film-coupled nanoparticles by atomic layer deposition:
Comparison with organic spacing layers, Appl. Phys. Lett. 104, 023109 (2014)
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Synthesis and Characterization of Cu2ZnSnS4 Thin Films
Stephen A. Campbell (PI), Liyuan Zhang
Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facilities utilized: Minnesota Nano Center and Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500
Introduction
Methods & Characterization
Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is a quaternary
semiconductor can be used as absorber
layer for solar cells and has received
increasing interest since 2006 for the
following reasons:
 p-type with a band gap of 1.4-1.5 eV,
close to the optimum value for solar
energy conversion.
 High absorption coefficient
 Contains only low-cost earth-abundant,
non-toxic elements, Cu, Zn, Sn, and S.



Metal precursor layers were deposited
in a stack without breaking vacuum by
thermal evaporation and then sulfidized
to obtain Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films.
X-ray diffraction peaks are all indexed
to kesterite CZTS. Raman scattering
results also show the formation of
CZTS.
SEM images show uniform thin film
with grains about one micron in width.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Transport nc-Ge/a-Si:H Thin Films
James Kakalios (PI), Kent Bodurtha
NNIN Facilities utilized: Minnesota Nano Center and Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500
Synthesized new material of
germanium nanocrystals
embedded in hydrogenated
amorphous silicon



Material is completely phase-separated
Multiple samples per deposition run differ
only nanocrystal volume fraction
Germanium crystal fractions range from 0%
to 75%
Transport Details


Thermopower measurements show a change in the
sign of the majority carrier as germanium crystal
fraction increases
Conductivity measurements indicate transport
occurs in either the a-Si:H phase or the nc-Ge
phase, or in both simultaneously.
K. Bodurtha, J. Kakalios, “Thermopower of nanocrystalline
germanium/hydrogenated amorphous silicon composite thin films.” J.
Appl. Phys. 114, 193705 (2013).
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Variable Modulus Muscular Thin Films For Measuring the
Effect of Mechanical Environment on Vascular Contractility
Patrick W. Alford (PI), Kerianne E. Steucke
Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facilities utilized: Minnesota Nano Center and Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500
DESCRIPTION OF WORK



MAJOR OBSERVATIONS
Photolithography techniques to create patterned
wafers that yield polydimethysiloxane stamps used
to microcontact print guidance cues for tissue
formation (Fig. 1).
Tissues are built on 3-layer vascular muscular thin
film (3vMTF) constructs (Fig. 2A).
Variable modulus 3vMTF allow us to vary the
substrate stiffness and calculate the stress in the
tissue layer to determine the contractile function of
the tissue (Fig. 2B,C).



Microcontact printing produces microfabricated tissues that mimic
the native tissue structure of the arterial lamella.
Engineered tissue constructs, such as the variable modulus
3vMTF, are ideal for observing and isolating the mechanical
behavior of the arterial lamella in vitro.
Varying the substrate modulus of the PDMS affects the contractile
function of the tissue layer (Fig. D), but not the structure of the
tissue (Fig. E).
Figure 1. Microcontact printing. Steps 1-3: Photolithography.
Steps 4-6: Stamping. Steps 7-8: Cell seeding.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
Figure 2. A. Arterial lamella
tissue mimics on different
substrate moduli. Green: factin Blue: nuclei. B. Actin
alignment
for
different
substrate moduli (n = 3). C.
3vMTF construction.
Red
line
indicates
bonding
between film and glass. D.
Film release yields a curved
beam.
The
radius
of
curvature (R) is used to
evaluate cell stress. Inset:
Transmural circumferential
stress distribution. E. Basal
tone for varying substrate
moduli. * p<0.05 compared
with 1000kPa substrate. (n =
6,8,13,14, 8 for 10kPa –
1MPA, respectively.). Bars
are averages and error is
standard deviation.
MINNESOTA
Processing Of Oriented Zeolite Nanosheet Films
Lorraine Francis (PI), Michael Tsapatsis (PI), Wanlu Zhang
Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facilities utilized: Minnesota Nano Center and Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500
Zeolite nanosheet films




Make MFI zeolite
Exfoliate zeolite with polymer
Disperse exfoliated zeolite in an
organic solvent
Coat zeolite nanosheet on a
hydrophobic silicon substrate
SEM images of zeolite
Successfully made exfoliated zeolite nanosheet

Use DGC process to get rid of un-exfoliated zeolite
and polymer
TEM images of exfoliated zeolite
suspension
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Sintering of Aerosol Deposited Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide Nanocrystals
Lorraine Francis (PI), Eray Aydil (PI), Bryce Williams
Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota
NNIN facility utilized: Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500
Aerosol Jet printing of CZTS nanocrystals



Aerosol deposition may allow production of
CZTS solar absorber layers in a roll-to-roll
process, greatly reducing current
manufacturing costs.
Formation of an aggolmerate coating through
droplet evaporation creates complete
coverage coatings but sacrifice density.
Current work is focused on the densification
of these coatings and those affects on the
high temperature annealing procedure
required for creation of high efficiency solar
cells
Pre-annealing
Post-annealing
As-printed
After sintering, the as-printed
sample contained both large
(1µm) grain single crystals and
seemingly unaffected residual
agglomerates.
Low-pressure
The low-pressure sample was
compressed at 25 MPa via roller
compaction. With an increase in
initial density, a less polydisperse
grain size is achieved with few
signs of residual agglomerates
High-pressure
The high-pressure sample was
compressed at 700 MPa via static
die compaction. The high density
coating produced both the largest
and most dense final grain
structure with some grain sizes
above 2 µm.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Nanostructured Materials Synthesis
Andreas Stein, Anh Vu, Benjamin Wilson, Stephen Rudisill, Nicholas Petkovich
Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: CharFac JEOL 6500/6700
Synthesis of nanostructured materials
for advanced applications



Zeolites for bimetallic catalyst
supports (shown)
3DOM materials for advanced
energy storage
Macroporous materials for solar
fuel generation
10000
Experimental
FAU (PDF 00-038-0239)
Counts
8000
6000
4000
Recent Publications
2000


0
10
20
30
40
50

Rudisill et al., J. Phys. Chem. C 2013, 117, 1692-1700.
Vu et al., Chem. Mater. 2013, 25, 4137-4148.
Vu el al., J. Power Sources 2014, 245, 48-58.
2 (°, Co K)
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Magnetic Remanence in Stalagmites
J.M. Feinberg1, B.E. Strauss1, J.H. Strehlau2, R.L. Penn2
Earth Sciences1 and Chemistry2, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500



Stalagmites from five caves in
continental U.S.
Magnetic extracts via new, more
efficient technique
Microscopy as a supplement to
magnetic characterization


Evidence for allochthonous grain origins
 Exsolution patterns  igneous process
 Physically weathered (detrital) magnetite
High-coercivity magnetic minerals – varied
morphologies, timing of formation uncertain
Figure 2. Grain with etched exsolution texture,
identified as ülvospinel.
PUBLICATIONS


Figure 1. Needle aggregates of goethite in clay
matrix. Inset from FEI Tecnai T12 HRTEM.
Strauss, B. E., J. H. Strehlau, I. Lascu, J. A. Dorale, R. L. Penn,
and J. M. Feinberg (2013), The origin of magnetic remanence
in stalagmites: Observations from electron microscopy and rock
magnetism, Geochemistry, Geophys. Geosystems, 14.
Strehlau, J.H., L.A. Hegner, B.E. Strauss, J.M. Feinberg, and
R.L. Penn (submitted), Simple and efficient separation of
magnetic minerals from speleothems: Quantitative efficiency,
compositional analysis, and rock magnetic characterization.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Managing the Mosaic of Microstructure
Richard D. James (PI), Xian Chen, Yintao Song
Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500
MAJOR OBSERVATIONS
DESCRIPTION OF WORK



Observation of microstructure
Compositional characterization
by EDS

Secondary electron images
Quantitative determination of the compositions
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Electron-Transparent Specimen Preparation of Complex Oxides for Scanning
Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM)
K. Andre Mkhoyan (PI)1 and M. Greven (PI)2, Jong Seok Jeong1, Wojciech Tabis2
1Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, 2Physics, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Characterization Facility’s JEOL6500
STEM specimen preparation of complex
oxides using focused ion beam (FIB)



Electron transparent specimens (<50
nm) were prepared for aberrationcorrected STEM imaging with sub-Å
resolution
The specimens has uniform thickness
and no contamination
For water-sensitive samples, the FIB
prevents air/moisture exposure, which
mostly happens during conventional
TEM specimen preparation process
Figure 1. SEM images of (a) HgBa2CuO4+d (Hg1201)
crystal and (b) electron-transparent STEM lamella taken
from the FIB system.
High-resolution annular dark-field (ADF) STEM
imaging


ADF-STEM imaging showing clear atomic columns
STEM image shows that the sample has Hg vacancy
chains or the replacement of Hg atoms by lighter
element or oxygen interstitials
Figure 2. STEM images of Hg1201 showing several
dimmer Hg columns (arrows), which could result from Hg
vacancy chains or the replacement of Hg atoms by lighter
element or oxygen interstitials.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Air-stable SF6-etched Silicon Nanocrystals for Light Emitting Devices
Stephen Campbell (PI), Brian Benton
Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
NANOCRYSTAL SYNTHESIS AND
CHARACTERIZATION



NANOCRYSTAL EMISSION

Two-stage plasma-induced
nanocrystal growth and etching
Analyzed emission color and
quantum yield, long-term stability in
air
Si-NC’s used as active layer in
LED structures
Si-NC’s etched and functionalized in-flight using SF6
plasma, demonstrated ability to tune emission
wavelength over a wide range with quantum yields
near 50%
[1]
LED DEVELOPMENT



Deposited ZnSnO3/Cu2O tunnel
junction to act as hole transport
layer for Si-NC’s
Optimized ALD recipe for
ZnO/AZO electron transport layers
Used lift-off techniques to pattern
Ni/Al top contact structures to
spread current through entire
active area
LED TESTING



Developed methods for achieving low-resistance,
ohmic contacts to AZO layer
Showed repeatable, stable IV behavior in dummy
devices (no Si-NC’s) with a range of active areas
Tested LEDs with Si-NC layers, but found that higher
film densities were necessary to enable light
emission

Film densities measured were <10% Si at all
thicknesses, indicating large
voids/discontinuities in the films
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
[1] Pi, X. D. et al. Nanotechnology 19, 245603 (2008).
MINNESOTA
Ion Gel Gating of La1-xSrxCoO3
Chris Leighton (PI), Daniel Frisbie (PI), Jeff Walter
Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
Electrostatic doping of LSCO/LaAlO3
utilizing ion gels as gate dielectrics


Electric double layer formation
inducing carrier densities up to
3x1014 cm-2
Goals:
 Explore the temperature and
bias ranges in which reversible
electrostatic doping can be
achieved
 Query the effects of high
carrier density on the MEPS in
LSCO/LAO
Utilize the MNC Facility for:
•
Ar ion milling to pattern LSCO film
•
Deposition of gate and contact electrodes
G
C
C
C
C
G
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Optical Multilayer Design of Transparent Conductive Films
Joseph Talghader (PI), Kyle Olson
University of Minnesota, Electrical and Computer Engineering
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
Fabrication
Fabry-Pérot Etalons




Sharp resonant peak of
Transmission
Standing wave is produced by
the Fabry-Pérot
Absorber placed at node of
standing wave minimally effects
the transmission of the FabryPérot



Ag and Au used as the absorber provide the best
transmission and conductivity properties
ITO or ZnO can be used to get much better
transmission at the cost of conductivity.
Using random walk optimizations of the Fabry-Pérot
can improve the transmission greatly
The resonant peak is tunable by changing the angle
of incidence of the light
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Engineered Tissues for Long-Term Measurement of Vascular Contractility
Patrick W. Alford (PI), Eric S. Hald, Kerianne E. Steucke, Zaw Win
Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
MAJOR OBSERVATIONS
DESCRIPTION OF WORK


Use of photolithography to create patterns
for PDMS stamps
 Stamps used to pattern extra cellular
matrix proteins
Use of photolithography to fabricate
microfluidic protein delivery devices
 Patterned delivery of desired proteins
for substrate functionalization and/or
cell adhesion
 Development of a highly-aligned
monolayer of vascular smooth muscle
cells to mimic arterial lamellae


Microfluidic devices yield highly-confluent, highlyaligned tissues that mimic native arterial lamellae and
are similar to those fabricated using traditional
microcontact printing methods
Microfluidic protein patterning allows for long-term
surface functionalization of PDMS substrates with
genipin, allowing for increased temporal tissue viability
and long-term vascular contractility experimentation
Temporal Comparison of Fabrication Techniques
Long-Term Microfluidic Tissue Fabrication Procedure
Schematic of Contractility Experiment
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
Scale bars: 200 μm
MINNESOTA
Capture of Isolated Single Muscle Fibers
Edgar Arriaga (PI), Matthew Keefe
Chemistry, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
MAJOR OBSERVATIONS
OUTLINE OF WORK



Soft-Photolithography techniques
were utilized at NFC to make
SU-8 molds on 4” silicon disks
for a microfluidic device capable
of capturing single mouse
muscle fibers
Equipment used included CEE
precision spinners, Contact Mask
Aligners, and P-16 surface
profiler

SU-8 2050 was found to be the best negative
photoresist for achieving feature heights of ~100
micrometers
High aspect ratio of the SU-8 photoresist is perfectly
suited for the detail required in this device
2-D schematic of two channeled device capable of capturing muscle
fibers, fibers flow through device, and are trapped in the channels as they
narrow. In the mold, the SU-8 is represented by the white spaces of the
schematic, while the white spaces represent fluid filled channels in the
actual PDMS device.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Polymeric Waveguide Fabry-Perot Resonators
Shai Ashkenazi (PI), Mohamad Amin Tadayon
Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
Major observations in 100 μm length cavity with
radius of 20 μm :
Waveguide Fabry-Perot resonator:


Preventing light diffraction inside the Fabry-Perot
resonator by inducing a waveguide between the
mirrors
Increase finesse and quality factor of the cavity
by orders of magnitudes comparing to the regular
Fabry-Perot resonators
Theoretical model





Finesse=692
Quality factor of 59000
Increase the finesse by 39 folds
Eliminating the length effect on the cavity finesse
A larger dip in the characteristic curve
Microscope Image of the
fabricated device
Tested device char. curve
Unfolded model of wave propagation in:
L
Publications:

1- waveguide cavity
2- non-waveguide
conventional cavity

Tadayon M.A., Baylor M.E., Ashkenazi, S., “High Quality Factor
Polymeric Fabry-Perot Resonators Utilizing a Polymer Waveguide,”
Optics Express, Vol. 22 (2014), No. 5, pp. 5904-5912.
Tadayon M.A., Baylor M.E., Ashkenazi, S., “Polymeric waveguide Fabry
Perot resonators”, Proc. of SPIE Vol. 8983, 89830W, 2014.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Waveguide Optical Cavity Ultrasound Detector (WOCUD)
Shai Ashkenazi (PI), Mohamad Amin Tadayon
Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
Waveguide optical cavity ultrasound
detector (WOCUD):



Preventing light diffraction inside the Fabry-Perot
resonator by inducing a waveguide between the
mirrors
Increase finesse and quality factor of the cavity
by orders of magnitudes comparing to the regular
Fabry-Perot resonators
Decoupling the mechanical and optical
characteristics of the detector significantly
increase the detector sensitivity
WOCUD working mechanism
Optical characteristic curve
Major Observations in 25 μm length cavity with
radius of 20 μm :





Noise Equivalent Pressure (NEP) of 175 over
bandwidth of 28 MHz
Finesse=205
The NEP is increased by 20 folds comparing to our
previous works
The thickness of the Fabry-Perot resonator can be
increased without any concern about the optical
characteristics
This device can be made on the tip of an optical fiber
bundle and utilized for intravascular ultrasound and
photoacoustic imaging
Detected 25 MHz ultrasound
pulse with WOCUD
WOCUD frequency response
Publications:
 Tadayon
M.A., Baylor M.E., Ashkenazi, S., “Polymer waveguide Fabry-Perot resonator for high-frequency ultrasound
detection ,” Optics Express (Submitted).
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Cancer-on-a-Chip
David Wood, Marie-Elena Brett, Alexandra Schonnesen, Alexandra Crampton
Biomedical Engineering, UMN
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
MAJOR OBSERVATIONS
DESCRIPTION OF WORK



We have been working on a
microfluidic model for intravasation
and extravasation in cancer
metastasis.
Our lab uses the NFC facilities to
fabricate master molds using soft
photolithography techniques

Using the capillary burst model for our design we
have been able to create cancer “tissues” within the
microfluidic device and flow media adjacent to this
tissue acting as a blood vessel (below left)
Currently, media channels are lined with epithelial
cells to create a more physiologically relevant blood
vessel (below)
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Droplet Based Cell Migration Assay
David Wood (PI), Marie-Elena Brett and Alexandra Schonnesen
Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
MAJOR OBSERVATIONS
DESCRIPTION OF WORK




Use facilities to create master
molds via soft photolithography
Molds are use for
Polydimethylsiloxane casting
Microfluidic devices composed of
PDMS castings and glass slides
are used to generate droplets
composed of GFP-labeled cells
and PEG (below, right)

Droplets can be generated and polymerized
GFP labeled cells survive this process and can be
quantified
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Sickle Cell
David Wood (PI), Xinran Lu, Craig Jonas, and Sarah Bening
Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
MAJOR OBSERVATIONS
DESCRIPTION OF WORK


Our lab utilizes the nanofabrication
center at the University of
Minnesota to create microfluidic
devices capable of recapitulating
physiological conditions in order to
study Sickle Cell Disease.

By creating these devices, we can flow diseased blood
through actually blood capillary sized channels and control
the oxygen environment around the blood in hopes of
discovering more about the process by which the disease
affects patients.
We are also developing a computational model of sickle
hemoglobin based on thermodynamic principles. The goal
of the project is to inspire novel therapies by
understanding the molecular events of polymerization.
Publications

Wood DK, Soriano A, Mahadevan L, Higgins JM, Bhatia SN
(2012) A biophysical indicator of vaso-occlusive risk in
sickle cell disease Sci Transl Med 4, 123ra26. PMID22378926
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Further Development of Micro Free-Flow Electrophoresis Applications
Michael Bowser (PI), Sarah Anciaux, Nic Frost, Matt Geiger, Alex Johnson
University of Minnesota, Chemistry
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
FFE is a continuous electrophoretic separation
technique performed in a planar channel. By
applying an electric field perpendicular to the
separation channel, analyte streams deflect
laterally (Figure 2). It’s miniaturization has led
to analytical and preparative scale separations
of small volumes. More recently developments
in 2D separation (Figure 3) and mass
spectrometry coupling (Figure 1) have been
investigated by modifications of the original
µFFE design.


Successful protein depositions onto membranes for MS
High peak capacities (>2000) achieved in 20 minutes
Figure 1
Buffer Flow
Electric Field
Cathode (-)
Microfluidic free-flow electrophoresis
(µFFE)
 2D-Separations
• CE-µFFE
• nLC-µFFE
 Open edge µFFE-MS
Anode (+)

MAJOR OBSERVATIONS
Figure22
Figure
Figure 3
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Split Ring Resonator Photolithography
Jeong-Hyun Cho (PI), Chao Liu
Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center


Photolithography using PR NR7
on silicon wafer
Exposure and develop PR to
transfer the pattern from the
mask to the photoresist

Make the Pattern of Split Ring
Resonator using photolithography
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Silicon Etching Project
Jeong-Hyun Cho (PI), Chao Liu
Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center

Etch the silicon wafer with Sn
layer on the top of the silicon
using RIE

RIE on silicon wafer generate heat to melt the Sn
layer on the top of the silicon
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Spin transport in Co2FexMn1-xSi/GaAs Heterostructures
K. D. Christie1, C. C. Geppert1, S. J. Patel2, C. J. Palmstrøm2, P. A. Crowell1
1School
of Physics & Astronomy, University of Minnesota
2Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California Santa Barbara
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center


Recent measurements on devices using the
Huesler Co2MnSi as the ferromagnet contacts
have demonstrated the largest spin signal
observed in III-V lateral spin-valves.
Using ferromagnetic detection contacts we
measure the spin-splitting of the chemical
potential in the GaAs channel.
detector
field
Vdet
injector
Vdet (mV)
0.0
-0.5
-1.0
-1.5
30 K
-2.0
-2.5
-50
0
50
Field (mT)
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Spin Transport in FM/GaAs Heterostructures
Paul Crowell, Gordon Stecklein
Physics, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
Investigated spin transport using
spin injection from Heusler
samples


Measured Hanle effect
Detected bias and temperature
dependence
Extended understanding of Ferromagnetic
Resonance (FMR)



Detected electrically via transverse contact
resistance
Related to tunneling anisotropic magnetoresistance
effect
Explored temperature and bias dependence using
Fe, Co2MnSi, and Co2FeSi ferromagnets
Fabricated thin film devices in MNC
using photolithography


Typical lateral spin valves
Microwave coupled ferromagnet
contacts
FMR in Iron at various biases
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
DNA Stretching in Nanochannel Confinement
Kevin D. Dorfman (PI), Julian Sheats, Damini Gupta
Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota
NNIN facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
DESCRIPTION OF WORK



DNA molecules are injected into channels smaller
than the radius of gyration to induce elongation
Extension and diffusion measured as a function of
channel size for rapid barcoding sequencing
DNA molecules need to move smoothly through
channels in order to measure equilibrium properties.
SEM directly after conductively layer removal and
ebeam development. Roughness has been removed by
placing conductive layer above resist, which allows for
its complete removal prior to etch (pitted area is merely
the resist).
SEM micrograph showing fused silica nanochannel
device prior to sealing. Roughness is obvious within
nanochannel and around pillars in loading area.
MAJOR OBSERVATIONS
 Roughness in channel surface likely cause of
DNA sticking in channel.
 Residual conductive layer particles are the likely
cause of roughness during etch.
 Placing the conductive layer on top of the
ebeam resist removes roughness.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Printed, Label-Free Organic Electronic Sensors
C. Daniel Frisbie (PI), Kevin Dorfman (PI), Scott White
Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota
NNIN facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
Printed Organic Transistors are effective
as potentiometric DNA sensors.

Side-Gated, Floating Gate structure
DNA is immobilized on gold electrode
to change its surface potential.


Related to work function change
of DNA bound on gold
Changes in work function are
commensurate with device’s
voltage window
10-3
Medium Probes
Complementary DNA
10-4
10-5
ID (A)

DNA selectively shifts the
threshold voltage.
10-6
10-7
VT = 120 mV
30 nm P3HT
EMI/TFSI - [SMS]
W/L = 200/10
50 mV/s
10-8
10-9
10-10
-0.8
Device Under Test
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
-0.6
-0.4
-0.2
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
VG (V)
MINNESOTA
Transport Properties in Organic Semiconductors
Dan Frisbie (PI) and Elliot Schmidt
Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
Device Fabrication



PDMS stamps are formed and
coated with gold (below)
Organic single crystals, grown by
physical vapor transport, are
laminated on these stamps to
form transistors


Transistors of this design have led to the highest
mobility measurements in any organic
semiconductors, ≈20 cm2/Vs
Ionic liquids can be used as a gate dielectric in
these transistors to achieve carrier densities
exceeding 1013 cm-2
Ambipolar transport observed in rubrene
derivatives with hole and electron mobilities
≈4.5 cm2/Vs
Single crystal
semiconductor
Source
Drain
Air gap
Gate
PDMS
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Quantitative Phase Measurements for Plasmonic Spectroscopy
Nathan Lindquist, Sang-Hyun Oh, Lauren Otto
Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
Major Observations
Device fabrication using:



MNC: E-beam lithography, e-beam
metal evaporation (CHA)
Template stripping2

Can observe reflected phase features as well as
wavelength shifts due to SPR
Can distinguish between liquids of different refractive
indices in real time
Device characterization:



JEOL 6700 in Char Fac
Home-built microscope/ spectrometer/
polarization interferometer setup
Compared to COMSOL modeling
Publications



[1] N. C. Lindquist et al. doi: 10.1002/andp.201200144
[2] P. Nagpal et al. doi: 10.1126/science.1174655
[3] L. M. Otto et al. Abstract on this work submitted to MRS
Spring 2014 meeting
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Effects on Thermoluminescence of High Pressure and Impact Force
Joseph J. Talghader (PI), Merlin L. Mah, Philip R. Armstrong
Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
Motivations


Observations
Thermoluminescent materials have shown ability as highly
robust recorders of temperature in harsh environments, e.g.
high-explosive detonations
In addition to rapid temperature excursions, high pressures
and impact forces are also experienced in post-explosion
environments
E-beam evaporated Y2O3:Tb film, irradiated with UV, gives
thermoluminescence glow curve with two resolvable
intensity peaks
 Applying short repeated bursts of stress reduces the
thermoluminescence intensity of the film layer
 Higher-temperature peak
affected more strongly

Device




Electrostatic actuator
Can apply stress or impact forces to thermoluminescent thin
film on surface
Large area (> 1 cm2) for strongly measurable luminescence
signal
Two-substrate construction for simple tunability and sample
film exchangeability
Publications
[1] M. L. Mah, P. R. Armstrong, and J. J. Talghader, “Alteration by
repeated electrostatic MEMS actuation of the thermoluminescence of
thin films,” Proceedings of the 2013 International Conference on Optical
MEMS and Nanophotonics, 2013, pp. 55–56.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Synthesis and Phase Stabilization of Body Center Tetragonal (BCT) Metastable Fe-N
Anisotropic Nanocomposite Magnet- A Path to Fabricate Rare Earth Free Magnet
Jian-Ping Wang (PI), Yanfeng Jiang
Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility Utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT
FIB was used to fabricate TEM
sample of iron nitride




For bulk material, FIB is the best
option to prepare high quality
TEM sample
TEM can be used to characterize
the crystalline structure
TEM sample was successfully prepared
Crystalline structure was observed and it is
demonstrated that suitable phase is obtained.
SEM photos of FIB operation
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
ZnO Nanowire Tactile Sensor
Prof. Rusen Yang (PI), Kory Jenkins
Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center

Goal: Develop flexible, ZnO
nanowire based sensor for
replicating human touch
perception.

Photo: Training test run. ZnO
seed layer on top of Cr layer
using AJA sputtering system.
Uniform, high quality result.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Resonance in Magnetostatically Coupled Transverse Domain Walls
Paul Crowell (PI), Andrew Galkiewicz, Liam O’Brien
Physics and Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
Transverse Domain Walls (TDWs)



Found in thin magnetic films that
have been patterned into
nanowires
Can couple with other nearby
domain walls due to magnetic
stray field
Potential for domain-wall-based
logics or oscillators
Observations


Intrinsic edge roughness leads to pinned mode
oscillation of individual TDWs
Coupled oscillations are enhanced in frequency due
to this pinning
Individual TDWs
Coupled TDWs
Publications:

A. T. Galkiewicz et al, submitted to Phys. Rev. Lett.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Gravure Printing
Lorraine F. Francis (PI), C. Daniel Frisbie (PI), Sooman Lim
Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
Fabricating gravure pattern on
Si wafer


Patterning with dry etching
Showing ink filling in the
trench
Pattering images with dots separated
in different spacing


Printing uniform lines
Printing complex patterns for
electrode
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Atomically Flat Au Surfaces through a Template Stripping Method
C. Daniel Frisbie, Christopher Smith
Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized : Minnesota Nano Center
DESCRIPTION OF WORK



MAJOR OBSERVATIONS
electron beam deposition of Au
(5000 Å) on Si (100) surface
bond 1x1 cm Si(100) wafers face
down on Au film with epoxy
cured the template at 150˚ C for
1.5 hr


RMS roughness ~ 1nm
Template stripped surfaces are stable
towards protic solvents, however, the
Au film peels off in the presence of
CH2Cl2 and DMSO
SEM image of the
Template stripped Au surface
AFM image of the
Template stripped Au surface
1 um
1 um
Publications
1 um
Hegner M.,Wagner P., Semenza G., Surface Science, 1993, 296, 39-46
Choi S. H., Frisbie C. D., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2010, 132, 16191
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
ALD Coating and Plasmonic Enhancement of Photochemistry
Renee Frontiera (PI), Ben Jones
Chemistry, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center



Use ALD to coat gold nanoparticles
(AuNPs)
AuNPs behave as a plasmonic
material
Trying to find ideal coating thickness
using Raman enhancement to
measure quality
OBSERVATIONS SO FAR…



Design is valid, proper enhancement
observed
Thickness is ideal near 50 angstroms
Coating is uncracked over the AuNPs,
protects the particles over long laser
exposures
My own Raman Spectra of Rhodamine-6G
50
Cycles
From
http://terpconnect.umd.edu/~jbetz/research/raman.html
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Ionic Liquid Gating High Tc Cuprate
Allen Goldman (PI), Boyi Yang
Physics, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
MAJOR OBSERVATIONS
DESCRIPTION OF WORK




Buffer oxide eching SrTiO3
substrate to get TiO2 terminated
terrace surface
AJA sputtering SiO2 to define
Hall bar measurement geometry
AJA sputtering Au as electrode


Holes are induced in ionic liquid gated YBCO
thin film in an electron double layer capacitor
configuration.
Minimum of normal state resistance and
maximum of superconducting transition
temperature Tc are observed in the ionic liquid
gated YBCO thin film, which accompanied with a
maximum in carrier concentration.
The distinct transport properties at the optimal
doped regime indicating multiple gating
mechanism in ionic liquid gated YBCO thin film.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Particle Absorption in Thin Films
Joey Talghader (PI), Andrew Brown, Kyle Olson
University of Minnesota, Electrical and Computer Engineering
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center



Substrates patterned with xy grid
Micro and Nanoparticles
embedded in thin ALD film
Samples used by our
collaborators to measure
absorption of individual particles
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA
Microfluidics-Based in Vivo Mimetic Systems for the Study of Cellular Biology
Christy L. Haynes (PI), Donghyuk Kim, Xiaojie Wu
Chemistry, University of Minnesota
NNIN Facility utilized: Minnesota Nano Center
MAJOR OBSERVATIONS
DESCRIPTION OF WORK


Investigation of neutrophil chemotaxis under
various stimuli (different chemoattractants or
cytokines, enzyme inhibitor, other cell types,
and drug effects)
Evaluation of platelet adhesion upon exposure
to mesoporous silica nanoparticles
Microfluidic device



The presence of various stimuli regulates neutrophil
chemotactic behaviors by influencing hierarchy of
chemoattractants and migration rates.
Surface marker expression is altered in the context
of neutrophil activation compared to naïve cells.
High nanoparticle doses increase platelet adhesion
and aggregation on endothelial cell layer.
Neutrophil-endothelial cell interaction
Drug effects
Publications


Surface marker expression


Kim, D.; Haynes, C. L. Analyst 2013, 138, 6826-6833.
Kim, D.; Haynes, C. L. Anal. Chem. 2013, 85, 10787-10796.
Kim, D.; Finkenstaedt-Quinn, S.; Hurley, K. R.; Buchman, J. T.;
Haynes, C. L. Analyst 2014, DOI: 10.1039/c3an01679j.
Wu, X.; Kim, D.; Young, A. T.; Haynes, C. L. in prep.
NNIN University of Minnesota – 2013
MINNESOTA