Development of Nanopositioning Stage and Electronics for High-Resolution Microscopy Applications
Project Description
The research group or Prof. Jäck takes a leading role in the development of new microscopy techniques and methods to study functional quantum materials. In this context, his group has successfully developed and tested several new nanopositioning stages that can be used to position specimens over millimetre to centimetre distances with nanometer accuracy (US and China patent pending). Prof. Jäck has also started a company, Quano Technologies (Quano-tech.com), with the goal to commercialize these nano positioning devices.
To maximise the functionality of these stages, high performance drive electronics that combine an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) with a high-voltage amplifier must also be developed. These units can accurately move the nanopositioning stage (using high-voltage waveforms) and read-out its position (using sensitive capacitance meters) with nanometer accuracy. We have already built a basic prototype controller as a proof of principle that successfully operated our nano positioning states. In the next step, our goal is to develop it into a rack-mountable controller that is based on a printed circuit board (PCB) and can be computer controlled through a digital interface.
To maximise the functionality of these stages, high performance drive electronics that combine an arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) with a high-voltage amplifier must also be developed. These units can accurately move the nanopositioning stage (using high-voltage waveforms) and read-out its position (using sensitive capacitance meters) with nanometer accuracy. We have already built a basic prototype controller as a proof of principle that successfully operated our nano positioning states. In the next step, our goal is to develop it into a rack-mountable controller that is based on a printed circuit board (PCB) and can be computer controlled through a digital interface.
Supervisor
JAECK, Berthold
Quota
3
Course type
UROP1000
UROP1100
UROP2100
UROP3100
UROP3200
UROP4100
Applicant's Roles
Your role will be to develop and build a PCB-based nanopositioning stage controller with optimised output performance (high voltage waveform V<±200 V, 40 kHz bandwidth) and position measurement accuracy (<10 nm at cryogenic temperatures), using on-chip based AWG, voltage amplification and capacitance meters. This task will also include all packing steps of the relevant input/output interfaces and the digital control interface to result in a compact and 19" rack mountable unit.
Applicant's Learning Objectives
The proposed UROP project will train the successful applicant(s) in cutting edge nanopositioning technology and the functionality of scanning probe microscopy techniques in general. The development of the electronic control unit will further train the successful applicant(s) in the design of PCB electronics and high-voltage amplification chains. Throughout the project, the student(s) will be trained and supervised by Prof. Jäck and/or PhD students.
This is an experimental/technical project. While not mandatory, previous experience in the hardware design and assembly, and the design of electronic circuits is preferred.
Further Benefits:
(a) Contributions by the successful applicant(s) will be rewarded through co-authorships on US patent applications, if patentable IP is generated through this project.
(b) Successful construction of a controller unit could lead to commercialisation of the UROP project through Quano Technologies.
This is an experimental/technical project. While not mandatory, previous experience in the hardware design and assembly, and the design of electronic circuits is preferred.
Further Benefits:
(a) Contributions by the successful applicant(s) will be rewarded through co-authorships on US patent applications, if patentable IP is generated through this project.
(b) Successful construction of a controller unit could lead to commercialisation of the UROP project through Quano Technologies.
Complexity of the project
Challenging