Development of Nanopositioning Stage and Electronics for High-Resolution Microscopy Applications
Project Description
Progress on the discovery of functional materials depends on the concurrent development of novel quantum sensing microscopy techniques that can characterise various material properties at microscopic length scales. At a technical level, many microscopy techniques are based on the scanning probe method in which the specimen is investigated by scanning its surface with the microscopy probe in the x-y-plane. Hence, these methods require nanopositioning stages that can position the specimen with high positional accuracy. Because many modern quantum sensing probes are conducted in vacuum and under cryogenic conditions, nanopositioning stages must be developed that can operate under these conditions.
The research group or Prof. Jäck takes a leading role in the development of new microscopy techniques to study functional quantum materials. Currently, his group is preparing the launch of a new microscopy platform to go online in summer 2023 with the aim to implement a microwave based quantum sensing microscope (also see his proposal: https://journals.aps.org/prresearch/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.2.043031). In this context, his group has successfully developed and tested several nanopositioning stages (US and China patent pending). Prof. Jäck has also started a company, Quano Technologies (Quano-tech.com), with the goal to commercialize the proprietary 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.
The research group or Prof. Jäck takes a leading role in the development of new microscopy techniques to study functional quantum materials. Currently, his group is preparing the launch of a new microscopy platform to go online in summer 2023 with the aim to implement a microwave based quantum sensing microscope (also see his proposal: https://journals.aps.org/prresearch/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.2.043031). In this context, his group has successfully developed and tested several nanopositioning stages (US and China patent pending). Prof. Jäck has also started a company, Quano Technologies (Quano-tech.com), with the goal to commercialize the proprietary 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.
Supervisor
JAECK, Berthold
Quota
1
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
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