ABSTRACT CTS-9700312 John Dorgan The Chemical Engineering, Physics, and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Departments of the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) will obtain a variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometer which will be used in a wide variety of projects including the following: 1. Investigation of polymer and copolymer layers near solid inorganic surfaces. 2. Exploration of the electronic structure of photovoltaics. 3. Characterization of thin films from the Advanced Coatings and Surface Engineering Laboratory (ACSEL) in the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering department. 4. Incorporation into the class Experimental Methods in Materials Science. The acquisition of the instrument: 1) provides a means of testing theories of material systems of interest to the researchers at CSM, 2) enables the rational advancement of the Materials Science of thin films 3) enhances the educational experience of graduate students participating in the interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, and 4) builds the scientific infrastructure on campus.
