MOLECULAR OBSERVATION, SPECTROSCOPY AND IMAGING USING CANTILEVERS (MOSAIC) WORKSHOP

Notice Date

June 14, 2001

Contracting Office

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Contract Management Office (CMO), 3701 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA 22203-1714

ZIP Code

22203-1714

Description

Molecular Observation, Spectroscopy and Imaging using Cantilevers (MOSAIC) Workshop, SN01-14. The Defense Sciences Office (DSO) of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is sponsoring a team-forming workshop on Molecular Observation, Spectroscopy and Imaging using Cantilevers (MOSAIC). This workshop will be held August 21, 2001, at the Greenbelt Marriott Hotel, 6400 Ivy Lane, Greenbelt, MD 20770. Attendance at the workshop is OPTIONAL, BUT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all potential bidders. The goals of this workshop are to explore all facets of the research necessary to develop new instrumentation for real-time, 3D, static or dynamic imaging of molecules and nanostructures with atomic level resolution and to promote the formation of teams that can advance this research on several fronts. These instruments will be non-destructive and, in addition, will provide the ability to control and manipulate the structures under observation. For example, one approach to develop this instrumentation would be to marry the 3D, non-destructive methods of magnetic resonance imaging with the atomic level resolution of atomic force microscopy. This approach has significant challenges in signal processing for noise reduction in order to obtain single spin sensitivity of both electrons and protons. Furthermore, special physics based algorithms will be necessary to provide real time images. There are also significant issues in the choice of materials and fabrication methods for the attoNewton force sensitive cantilevers. Once developed these tools will have very significant consequences. Mesoscale (nanometer to micrometer) materials cannot now be directly imaged in three dimensions, non-destructively, in their native functional state. Fundamental advances in materials science and biology are critically dependent on collecting real-time, 3D images of mesoscale materials at the atomic or molecular scale. For example, further advances in micro and nano-electronics requires detailed knowledge of doping profiles and defects, several DARPA projects depend on knowing the detailed properties of buried interfaces and dopants as well as details of the dynamics of spin phase propagation. In fact, it might be possible to use these techniques to measure and control individual atoms or spins. In the biological arena, the ability to perform atomic resolution, 3D imaging of single macromolecular complexes in their native functional states will permit a first-time look at the dynamics of structural state transitions and the roles such dynamics play in regulatory processes. We envision this project will combine the expertise of physicists, signal processing and control mathematicians, electronic engineers and molecular biologists. These scientists will be drawn from industry, academia and national laboratories. In particular we would strongly encourage the participation of instrument manufacturers on the integrated teams. The workshop agenda will feature several technology overview presentations by government personnel and several poster session forums including summary overviews to facilitate interaction and team forming amongst the participants to assist in responding to a planned DARPA solicitation late in FY01 or early in FY02. Participants are strongly encouraged to prepare posters and very short summary overview presentations describing areas of capabilities and interest to facilitate communications, interactions, and team prospecting. A short abstract of each poster presentation is required. Please access the MOSAIC website for workshop details including registration and abstract submission. The website can be accessed at http://www.eventmakeronline.com/dso/View/index.asp?MeetingID=40. The workshop registration fee is $150.00 and is inclusive of all workshop activities. Registration cutoff is August 7th, 2001, or at attendance capacity. Space is limited and it is recommended that you register early. For further administrative information contact Barbara Smith (smithbarb@sainc.com). Please refer to the MOSAIC Workshop in all correspondence. This announcement is NOT a request for proposals. No solicitation document is available at this time. DARPA anticipates, but cannot guarantee, that a solicitation will follow the conference.

Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010618/SPMSC004.HTM (W-165 SN50O943)