RESUMEN
The rapid development of computation power and machine learning algorithms has paved the way for automating scientific discovery with a scanning probe microscope (SPM). The key elements toward operationalization of the automated SPM are the interface to enable SPM control from Python codes, availability of high computing power, and development of workflows for scientific discovery. Here, we build a Python interface library that enables controlling an SPM from either a local computer or a remote high-performance computer, which satisfies the high computation power need of machine learning algorithms in autonomous workflows. We further introduce a general platform to abstract the operations of SPM in scientific discovery into fixed-policy or reward-driven workflows. Our work provides a full infrastructure to build automated SPM workflows for both routine operations and autonomous scientific discovery with machine learning.
RESUMEN
An analysis of the loading rate dependence of the forces required to rupture an AFM tip from a block copolymer surface has provided insight into the structure of the surface-macromolecule contact, differentiation of the block contacting the tip, a measure of the polymer-surface binding energy, and the rigidity of the contact. Polystyrene-poly-2-vinylpyridine block copolymers were studied adsorbing to silicon nitride. Polystyrene makes stiff van der Waals contact with the silicon nitride surface in aqueous solution, while the bond of poly-2-vinylpyridine to the surface is more flexible and may involve a bridging water.
RESUMEN
This mini-review reports efforts to develop new scanning probe microscopies to characterize the function and aging of textured, minimally adhesive polymer surfaces used for antifouling applications in the marine environment. Novel atomic force and infrared near field microscopy techniques have been used to characterize the polymer surface adhesion and structural properties. These techniques may find promise for characterizing the deposition of the extracellular matrix of organisms as well as aging of the polymer coating itself. The reported work is part of a larger effort to reduce biofouling on ships' hulls through the development and use of improved coating materials.