Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

A Free-angle Observation Digital Microscope (FODM) and an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) are proposed for imaging, topographic mapping and characterization of nano/micro surfaces and structures. The project will support the programs of the three applicants including three Discovery Grants, three Strategic Grants, one Idea to Innovation Grant, two Collaborative Health Research Projects, one Engage grant, a number of industrial projects, and student research supported by NSERC scholarships and fellowships. A large number of highly qualified personnel, belonging to our labs, departments and other institutions will be trained using these devices. No charges will be applied to researchers needing to use this equipment. It should be noted that no such a devices are available in the Faculty of Applied Science at Simon Fraser University, and no equipment in our university is available for dedicated use. The acquisition of these two instruments is therefore of vital importance for the research performed by the highly collaborative and interdisciplinary work of the applicants. The equipment will be essential for measuring and analysing the nanoscopic and microscopic features of the structures and materials developed through the support of our research programs with direct benefits for a large number of sectors of Canadian industry including renewable energy (e.g. photovoltaic and energy storage technologies), signage (bonding technologies), and biomedical technology (e.g. assistive and diagnostic technologies).