This award will provide funding for the renovation of research space in the Nuclear Physics building located on the Busch Campus of Rutgers University. Constructed in 1963, the structure was previously dedicated for nuclear research activities. However nuclear research is no longer conducted in the building, and the vacated space will become available for the Laboratory for Surface Modification (LSM). The LSM is a multidisciplinary laboratory composed of faculty, postdocs, and students from five academic departments: physics, chemistry, ceramics, materials science and electrical engineering. Research at the LSM focuses on advanced developments in the science and engineering of surfaces and thin films. Presently, individual LSM laboratories are dispersed throughout the Physics building and five other buildings on the campus. ARI funds will be used for substantial renovations to laboratory space, including the installation of new walls, partitions, and upgrading the electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems. Moving the LSM to this building will benefit the program by relieving overcrowding, and by providing a central location to house individual labs and shared facilities. The relocation will produce enhanced focus, visibility and identification of research, fostering new opportunities for the education of students, collaborative interactions between researchers across traditional departmental boundaries, and for the expansion of interactions with high technology industries.
