March 30, 2005 - Today's Other News Items

Gift Boosts UO's 'Small Science'

Hewlett Packard has donated a powerful analytical instrument to the University of Oregon that will enable researchers to zero in on particles only a few tens of nanometers in size - ten times smaller than their existing equipment will allow. The scanning auger microscope is one of only a handful in Oregon and will be part of the university's Center for Advanced Materials Characterization (CAMCOR), a major research facility that has a pivotal role in the UO's rapidly growing nanoscience program.

The auger (pronounced oh-jhay') uses an electron beam to determine the chemical composition of the outermost atomic layers of a material. The instrument can also map materials composition below the surface by using an argon source to remove layers as it probes downward. Since the electron beam can be as small as 13 nanometers, it can analyze extremely small features, making it highly valuable to UO research into thermoelectric and semiconducting materials that are cornerstone projects of the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnology Institute (ONAMI).

"This donation demonstrates HP's continued support of ONAMI," said Dave Johnson, CAMCOR director. "We are grateful that HP recognizes of the importance of state-of-the-art materials characterization to both the academic and industrial users of CAMCOR."

The auger adds to CAMCOR's suite of more than 20 analytical tools that are available for use by academic as well as industry researchers. The tools include instruments for microanalysis, surface analysis, electron microscopy, semiconductor device fabrication, as well as traditional chemical characterization. CAMCOR employs several full-time staff scientists who operate and maintain its equipment.

Ron DeBord, the program manager for HP's Physical Analysis Laboratory that donated the instrument, adds, "This tool will enhance CAMCOR's ability to analyze the thin films and device structures for applications ranging from nanotechnology to understanding the chemistry of corrosion."

The gift of this instrument comes less than a year after HP donated building space valued at $2 million to ONAMI at Oregon State University. Skip Rung, director of ONAMI, said the contribution further demonstrates HP's commitment to ONAMI's success. "Oregon is fortunate to have in HP not only one of the world's most sophisticated and creative 'small-tech' research and development operations, but also one of the world's great corporate citizens," Rung said. The auger went through a $400,000 upgrade several years ago and would cost more than $1 million to buy new today.

ONAMI is focused on research and commercialization nanoscience and microtechnologies, in order to create new products, companies and jobs in the Pacific Northwest. It unites the UO, Oregon State and Portland State University with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Wash., the State of Oregon and private industry.

For more news on university people, events and programs, you're invited to read the current issue of Inside Oregon, the official e-newsletter for UO faculty, staff and graduate teaching fellows.