Objective
Research objectives and content
Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy (MRFM) for sub-micron imaging and spectroscopic characterization of smaU objects is an emerging new technique with great potential for study of inhomogeDeous materials like biological materials, polymer blends, etcetera. The main feature of this detection method of magnetic resonance is the ability of achieving information from a very small and localised spin system. The present approach is based on measuring a NMR generated force by mounting the sample on a micro cantilever which is placed in a inhomogeneous field generated by a magnetic particle. The disadvantage is that the sample has to be smaU (in the microto nanogram region). In this project we propose to reverse the roles and mount the magnetic particJe on the micro cantilever. This has a number of advantages which will make the method much more general applicable. For example the sample can now be large while with the usual microprobe scanning methods one can nevertheless find the microscopic interesting parts of the sample for observation. However a number of formidable technical problems have to be overcome related | to the extreme weakness of the cantilevers combined with the large forces exerted in very high magnetic fields.
Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact)
The training involved in the project will allow the candidate to develop and complement his experience in magnetic | resonance techniques. These wiU include working with NMR equipment of the highest standard in the National Dutch | NMR centre and with novel combinations with scanning probe techniques. The candidate will gain insight in the| different NMR methods and in the relevance for industrial applications.
Links with industry/industrial relevance
The host group has links with several companies which are actively involved in the Magnetic Resonance Force | Microscopy project: DSM, Shel and Philips. Within related projects there is also cooperation with Omicron, Siemens | and Thomson.
Fields of science
Not validated
Not validated
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships)Coordinator
6525 ED NIJMEGEN
Netherlands