Advanced Colloids Experiments
(ACE)
Objective:
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Chaikin: Order and
patterns |
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Advanced Colloids (LMM)
workhorse sample cell. Microscope version of BCAT sample cells. |
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Weitz: Colloidal
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Yodh: Melting and
crystallization |
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To remove gravitational jamming and sedimentation so that it
is possible to observe how order arises out of disorder and to learn
to control this process. Small colloidal particles can be used to model
atomic systems and to engineer new systems. Colloids are big enough
(in comparison to atoms) to be seen and big enough that their evolution
can be recorded with a camera. With a confocal microscope, templates,
and grids, we can observe this process in 3-d and learn to control it.
Relevance/Impact:
Being able to see and control how structures
form is important. Colloidal engineering is now possible.
(Weitz, Harvard)
The technology now exists to create lock-and-key
reactions with the possibility of creating self-replicating
non-biological structures from nanoscale building blocks
using colloidal self-assembly. (Chaikin, NYU)
With temperature sensitive polymers and
microgels, the processes of melting and crystallization
can be observed in 3-d at the level of the individual particles
with these model “atomic” systems. (Yodh, Penn)
This work will be done in collaboration
with the European scientists (PIs) listed above.
Development Approach:
The Advanced LMM-Colloids flight experiment
will use the existing Light Microscopy Module (LMM) hardware
in the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR) aboard the International
Space Station (ISS), along with a confocal microscope head
and controlled sample platens. A new electronics box is
planned for sample manipulation and control.
The Advanced LMM-Colloids experiment is
designed for autonomous operation through scripts and ground-based
commanding. Crew time is required for the initial installation
and check out in the FIR, sample change out, and removal
from the FIR.
Received drafts of significant sections
of SRD for review in Preparation for SCR in February 2009.
Developing plan for preliminary-ACE (PACE)
2012 test of high resolution (above 50x) capabilities using
(LMM) workhorse sample cell and oil test target, and possibly
specialty sample cells.
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Principal Investigators:
Paul Chaikin (NYU, US)
David Weitz (Harvard, US)
Arjun Yodh (Penn, US)
Roberto Piazza (U. Milano, I)
Luca Cipelletti (U. Montpellier, F)
WIllem Kegel (U. Utrecht, NL)
Alfons Van Blaaderen (U. Utrecht, NL)
Gerard Wegdam (U. Amsterdam, NL)
Marzio Giglio (U. Milano, I)
Project Scientist: Dr.William V. Meyer
NCSER at NASA GRC
william.v.meyer@nasa.gov
216-433-5011
Project Manager: Ronald J. Sicker, NASA
GRC
Ronald.J.Sicker@nasa.gov
216-433-6498
Engineering Team: ZIN Technologies,
Inc.
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