Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: "Abu Dhabi Institute Chooses Asylum Research MFP-3D AFM and NanoIndenter"

Home > Press > Abu Dhabi Institute Chooses Asylum Research MFP-3D AFM and NanoIndenter

From left with the new MFP-3D Stand Alone AFM at the Masdar Institute: Amro Al Khatib, Keith Jones of Asylum Research, Dr. Aaron Schmidt, and group leader, Dr. Matteo Chiesa.

From left with the new MFP-3D Stand Alone AFM at the Masdar Institute: Amro Al Khatib, Keith Jones of Asylum Research, Dr. Aaron Schmidt, and group leader, Dr. Matteo Chiesa.

Abstract:
Asylum Research and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates) announced today that the Institute's Laboratory for Energy and Nano-Science (LENS) has acquired Asylum's MFP-3D Stand Alone Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) and instrumented NanoIndenter to perform research aimed at improving the efficiency of thermoelectric materials and developing non-destructive tools for thin film characterization of photovoltaics.

Abu Dhabi Institute Chooses Asylum Research MFP-3D AFM and NanoIndenter

Santa Barbara, CA | Posted on September 2nd, 2009

The Institute is the dedicated to the research and development of sustainable energy solutions. The MFP-3D-SA is a state-of-the-art atomic force microscope that will be used for three-dimensional measurements of different solid state materials at the nanometer scale. The MFP NanoIndenter is a true instrumented indenter and will be used to investigate the mechanical properties of nanostructures and for a unique frequency-domain thermo-reflectance experiment for measuring the thermal properties of homogenous materials and sub-micron thin films.

Commented Dr. Matteo Chiesa, Assistant Professor at the LENS, "After reviewing many instruments I chose the MFP-3D as the best AFM combined with the most elegant and simple-to-use nanoindentation tool. Asylum Research professionalism was a striking factor in choosing the right characterization tool. Asylum Research has shown a dynamic attitude in providing a complete solution for the needs of my laboratory, which is part of a new graduate university in a region where technical support can be very challenging."

Added Asylum Research CEO, Dr. Jason Cleveland, "We are proud that the MFP-3D has been selected by the Masdar Institute for Science and Technology, an exciting new research organization dedicated to the development of future energy solutions. We at Asylum Research are pleased to be a part of that research."

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About Asylum Research
Asylum Research is the technology leader in atomic force and scanning probe microscopy (AFM/SPM) for both materials and bioscience applications. Founded in 1999, we are a company dedicated to innovative instrumentation for nanoscience and nanotechnology, with over 250 years combined AFM/SPM experience among our scientists, engineers and software developers. Our instruments are used for a variety of nanoscience applications in material science, physics, polymers, chemistry, biomaterials, and bioscience, including single molecule mechanical experiments on DNA, protein unfolding and polymer elasticity, as well as force measurements for biomaterials, chemical sensing, polymers, colloidal forces, adhesion, and more. Asylum’s product line offers imaging and measurement capabilities for a wide range of samples, including advanced techniques such as electrical characterization (CAFM, KFM, EFM), high voltage piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), magnetic force microscopy (MFM) with our unique variable field module, quantitative nanoindenting, and a wide range of environmental accessories and application-ready modules.

Asylum’s MFP-3D™ set the standard for AFM technology, with unprecedented precision and flexibility. The MFP-3D is the first AFM with true independent piezo positioning in all three axes, combined with low noise closed-loop feedback sensor technology. The MFP-3D offers both top and bottom sample viewing for easy integration with most commercially-available inverted optical microscopes.

Asylum’s new Cypher™ AFM is the world’s first new small sample AFM/SPM in over a decade, and sets the new standard as the world’s highest resolution AFM. Cypher provides low-drift closed loop atomic resolution for the most accurate images and measurements possible today, rapid AC imaging with small cantilevers, Spot-On™ automated laser alignment for easy setup, integrated thermal, acoustic and vibration control, and broad support for all major AFM/SPM scanning modes and capabilities.

Asylum Research offers the lowest cost of ownership of any AFM company. Ask us about our industry-best 2-year warranty, our legendary product and applications support, and our exclusive 6-month money-back satisfaction guarantee. We are dedicated to providing the most technically advanced AFMs for researchers who want to take their experiments to the next level. Asylum Research also distributes third party cantilevers from Olympus, Nanoworld/Nanosensors, and our own MFM and iDrive tips.

About the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology

The Masdar Institute is the Middle East’s first graduate institution dedicated to tackling the most important challenge facing our planet today – the need to develop cutting edge and sustainable energy solutions that will ensure the economic growth and prosperity of all nations while preserving the environment for future generations. The Institute is the product of the enlightened leadership of Abu Dhabi, which has made a substantial commitment to transforming the UAE into one of the key knowledge economies in the world. Masdar Institute has a strong relationship with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which has collaborated on the creation of the curriculum. The relationship with MIT will play a key role in the Institute’s aim to become a world-class institution paving the way to a viable energy future for us all. The Masdar Institute is a key element of Masdar, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mubadala Development Company. The Masdar Institute will play a key role in engaging with the world’s leading organizations in the area of renewable and sustainable energy. The recent award to Abu Dhabi and Masdar City of the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency underpins the UAE’s commitment to this global challenge and provides the Institute with an unparalleled opportunity to participate in shaping energy policy that will determine the future of our planet.

The Laboratory for Energy and Nano-Science (LENS) relies on the combination of unique experimental capabilities. One of the current research activities at LENS is aimed at improving the efficiency of thermoelectric materials, including understanding phonon distribution and developing material structures, e.g. nanowires, superlattices, and nanoscale precipitates that further reduce thermal conductivity below that achievable by alloying.

Ongoing research has shown how nanoscale material interfaces hold the key to high-ZT thermoelectrics, and the need for improved understanding of transport across these interfaces in order to realize the full potential of thermoelectric technology. Mechanical characterization on different TE materials is also important to correlate TE transport properties with their mechanical properties in order to highlight valuable manufacturing paths. An in-depth understanding of this correlation is essential to the development of economically viable solutions that are not just based on trial and error.

A second research topic of relevance at LENS is related to the development of non destructive investigation tools for the characterization of thin films of interest for the photovoltaic industry. Thin film density and porosity represent important parameters that correlate with many of the optical and transport properties of thin films. Unfortunately, reliable and accurate density measurements are challenging and for this reason LENS relies on its unique experimental facilities to develop accessible characterization methods that will facilitate the development of new large scale production processes.

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Contacts:
Terry Mehr, Director of Marketing Communications, or Monteith Heaton, EVP, Marketing/Business Development

Asylum Research, 6310 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93117
805-696-6466x224/227

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