| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/A00140/01 |
| Title: |
AF: APPLICATION OF MAGNETIC RESPONSE FORCE MICROSCOPY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL HIGH FIELD EST CENTRE |
| Principal Investigator: |
Smith, Professor G |
| Other Investigators: |
|
| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
|
| Project Partners: |
|
| Department: |
Physics and Astronomy |
| Organisation: |
University of St Andrews |
| Scheme: |
Advanced Fellowship (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 April 2000 |
Ends: |
30 September 2003 |
Value (£): |
128,240
|
| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Chemical Structure |
Condensed Matter Physics |
| Instrumentation Eng. & Dev. |
|
|
| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Manufacturing |
Chemicals |
| Electronics |
|
|
| Related Grants: |
|
| Panel History: |
|
|
Summary on Grant Application Form |
|
One of the most exciting and important recent developments in Physics has been the advances made in Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy (MRFM) to the point where, incrediably, this technique offers a realistic opportunity of detecting and imaging single un-paired electron spins. MRFM technology combines standard Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM) with Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) or Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and potentially offers the ability to image complex biological systems with extreme resolution.This technology has appeared at a time when the application of high field ESR is also showing dramatic performance benefits in terms of resolution and sensitivity and is revolutionising problem-solving in biology and biochemistry. An enormous world-wide interest in the development of high field ESR spectrometers has developed over the last few years and this is a particular area where I have established a strong technological lead, based on my previous expertise in mm-wave technology . St Andrews now boasts a world-class facility for high frequency ESR and offers a national measurement service in association with the UK National (low field) ESR facility at Manchester University.St Andrews also has a strong Magnetic Force Microscopy (MFM) group which have recently constructed a miniature torque magnetometer with a sensitivity many orders of magnitudes better than commercial vibrating sample magnetometers.It is the goal of this proposal to exploit the expertise available in Magnetic Force Microscopy and high field ESR technology in order to construct the first ever high field MRFM spectrometer.In the short term the objective would be to offer ESR measurements with unparalleled sensitivity and g-factor resolution. In addition, using MRFM it wil be possible to make sensitive frequency swept ESR measurements at constant magnetic field. This is impractical in conventional spectrometers because of poor sensitivity, however, it has long been recognised that such a technique would considerably simplify the modelling and interpretation of spectra.On a longer time scale the aim is to image complex biological and chemical structures at resolutions far better than can be acheived with conventional NMR imaging. Initially micron resolution is likely to br feasible, but the ultimate long term aim would be to image and identify individual spins, molecule by molecule. No other technique, even conceptually, offers a way of achieving this, and the practical applications, particuarly in structural biology, are tremendously exciting and very compelling.I am very excited by the possibilities offered by MRFM in my field, and I believe that have the necessary skill set, experience and drive to ensure that the full benefits of this technology make a major impact on UK science and further establish St Andrews and the UK as technological leaders in high field ESR.
|
|
Key Findings |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Potential use in non-academic contexts |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
|
Impacts |
|
| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
|
| Date Materialised |
|
|
|
|
Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
|
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
|
| Project URL: |
|
| Further Information: |
|
| Organisation Website: |
http://www.st-and.ac.uk |