Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Force Microscopy Using Ultrasensitive Oscillators

Xidex Corporation and The University of Texas at Austin propose to demonstrate the feasibility of single nuclear spin detection using ultrasensitive mechanical oscillators. Two oscillator configurations will be investigated: high-Q siliconmultiple-torsional oscillators, and carbon nanotubes fabricated for use as oscillators using Xidex?s proprietary method. The work will build on earlier success of the Xidex-UT team by demonstrating the low-temperature force sensitivity of our currentoscillators and by fabricating oscillators with one to two orders of magnitude better sensitivity, thereby achieving minimum detectable force levels required for single spin detection in Phase II. Phase I will include detection of a submicron size specimenof protons at a temperature of 0.3 K, detection of nanotube oscillator resonance and determination of the achievable force sensitivity of carbon nanotube oscillators with different diameters. Our commercial objective is to introduce a new analyticalinstrument that affords single atom detection and resolution. Applications include composition and crystal structure of materials, structural biology, dopant concentration at atomic resolution for semiconductor manufacturing, and new solid state physicsresearch applications. We also plan nearer-term commercialization of a room-temperature quantum microscope based on NMRFM technology for use in clinical medicine and biological research. Composition and crystal structure of materials, structural biology,dopant concentration at atomic resolution for semiconductor manufacturing, and new solid state physics research applications, clinical medicine and biological research.