Advanced Scanned Probe Studies of Organic Thin Films
Atomic force microscopy techniques are being explored as characterization tools for soft-surfaces. Self-assembled monolayers, such as those
formed by alkanethiols on gold surfaces, can be the basis for intriguing biomimetic models when certain chemical species such as phospholipids
are adsorbed to them, forming subsequent layers. These systems can be used for the study of proteins and other biological active substances, and
may have applications in sensor development. Current interests are centered on techniques such as phase contrast imaging and force modulation
imaging that could aid in the elucidation of properties of these materials, in collaboration with researchers in the
Biotechnology Division
(831).
These techniques are also applied toward the characterization of phase separation in and morphological structure of polymer blend films, in
collaboration with researchers in the Polymers Division (854). Other research efforts involve using AFM to examine SIMS impact craters on
various metal substrates, in collaboration with Greg Gillen in the Surface and Microanalysis Science Division.
Highlights:
Characterization of Self-Assembled Monolayers
and Hybrid Bilayer Systems Using Non-Contact Atomic Force Microscopy Techniques
Publications:
The Effect of an Oxidized Gold Substrate on Alkanethiol Self-Assembly , John T. Woodward, Marlon Walker, Curtis W. Meuse, David J.
Vanderah, G.E. Poirier and Anne L. Plant, Langmuir 16(12) 5347-5353
(2000).
The Use of an SF5 Polyatomic Primary Ion Beam for Ultrashallow Depth Profiling On An Ion Microscope SIMS
Instrument, Greg Gillen, Marlon Walker, Joe Bennet, and Phil Thompson, J.
Vac. Sci. Technol. B 18 503 (Jan/Feb 2000).
CSTL Staff:
Marlon Walker
Phone:(301) 975-5593
Fax:(301) 926-6689
Email: marlon.walker@nist.gov
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