Background:
This SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference
Device)
Magnetometer was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through
the Division of Materials Research (DMR), with matching funds provided
by the University of Florida. The NSF grant (DMR-0113714) should
be cited in the acknowledgements of any publication or abstract.
The grant was for September 2001 to August 2002, and the Quantum Design
MPMS 7 Tesla SQUID Magnetometer became operational in September 2002.
Research Groups:
From the Department of Physics: Art
Hebard, Mark Meisel,
Andrew
Rinzler, and Greg Stewart.
From the Department of Chemistry: George
Christou, Mike Scott,
Dan
Talham, and Weihong Tan.
Original Project Summary:
Acquisition of a Variable Temperature and Magnetic Field Magnetometer
for Nanoscience Research and Education
(DMR-0113714)
National Science Foundation, Division of Materials Research, Instrumentation
for Materials Research Program
(Revised 25 July 2001)
Principal Investigator: Mark W. Meisel, Department of Physics,
University of Florida
Co-Principal Investigator: Daniel R. Talham, Department of Chemistry,
University of Florida
Project Summary
An interdisciplinary group of four physicists and four chemists
have common research interests in molecular magnetism, new materials synthesis,
and nanotechnology, and in several cases, formal interdisciplinary collaborations
exist. A variety of new magnetic systems and nanodevices are prepared,
and they are presently characterized by magnetotransport, nuclear magnetic
resonance (NMR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), atomic force microscopy
(AFM), near-field microscopy (NFM), and other spectroscopies including
infrared, ultraviolet/visible, and Raman. Presently when macroscopic
magnetic measurements are required, the specimens are studied with a Quantum
Design MPMS 5 Tesla SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device)
magnetometer. This instrument is 10 years old, and its capability
is over-subscribed, resulting in substantial waiting times before access
to the instrument. Consequently, we are proposing to acquire a modern
version of this magnetometer, the Quantum Design MPMS 7 Tesla SQUID magnetometer.
The need for the new instrument reflects the significant rise in recent
years of the number of researchers at the University of Florida with activities
related to magnetic phenomena. In addition, this new instrument will
serve as an important interdisciplinary educational and training tool for
graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who will operate the equipment.
Finally, the University of Florida has committed funding which represents
30% of the total cost of the instrument.