9704175 Martin This award provides support for the acquisition of a Gatan Imaging Filter (GIF) accessory for the JEOL 4000 EX High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HREM) located in the University of Michigan Electron Microbeam Analysis Laboratory (EMAL). The GIF consists of a curved magnetic sector lens that acts as a prism to disperse the transmitted electron beam as a function of energy. The dispersed beam can then be filtered to create images or diffraction patterns from selected portions of the electron energy loss spectra. This instrument would significantly enhance the microanalytical capabilities of the electron optics instrumentation at EMAL. Additional functionality provided by the GIF which is not presently available includes: (1) high resolution elemental and electronic state mapping of low atomic number elements, (2) improved contrast of polymer and organic thin films on substrates, (3) improved electron diffraction analysis by removal of inelastically scattered radiation, and (4) improved contrast in convergent beam electron diffraction patterns. Research underway in our laboratory which wi11 directly benefit from this acquisition includes the construction and characterization of grain boundary defects in optoelectronically active ordered polymers; the synthesis, and processing and characterization of thermally reactive benzocyclobutene functionalized polymers; the processing and microstructure of genetically engineered polypeptides for biocompatibility of micromachined silicon sensors for neural prosthetics, and the microstructure of polymers and polymer composites near surfaces. The instrument will also provide useful capabilities for other research projects in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences departments, as detailed in the text of the proposal. %%% The GIF will provide an enhancement of the electron optics facility at EMAL, directly influencing the re search opportunities available for students, staff, and faculty who use these instruments. It will also be used in the curriculum as part of the laboratory sessions for graduate and undergraduate courses in Microstructure of Materials (MSE 460, MSE 560, and MSE 662). The GIF will also be used in summer short courses on Polymer Microscopy offered through the University of Michigan Continuing Engineering Education program. ***
