Scanning probe microscope for use by engineering & polymer faculty
After retiring from Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Frank Ernst recently donated a Scanning Probe Microscope to an early career faculty member in the College of Engineering and Polymer Science.
The RKH 7500 UHV VT is a variable-temperature ultra-high vacuum scanning probe microscope, and part of a complete UHV (ultra-high vacuum) system. It includes a separately pumped specimen- preparation chamber and a load-lock chamber in addition to the actual SPM (scanning probe microscopy) chamber.
Dr. Ernst is an esteemed scholar with extensive research expertise in the surface engineering of alloys as well as materials applications in the field of advanced energy, including fuel cell catalyst nanoparticles, solid-oxide fuel cells and photovoltaic thin films. He has received multiple teaching awards from the Case School of Engineering and has been nominated for university-wide honors for excellence in undergraduate teaching.
He has held leadership roles in key university research facilities, including serving as co-director of the Swagelok Center for Surface Analysis of Materials and director of the Case Center for Surface Engineering.