The ESEM is back online. We have a temporary fix. The issue will be permanently solved by the upgrade in August. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any problems.
The ESEM is currently down. We are having issues with the vacuum control unit.
This is just a reminder that the ACMAL facilities will be CLOSED Tuesday, July 4, 2023. This is a University Closed Holiday so the building will also be locked.
Only those with swipe access will be able to use the instruments.
Please plan your instrument use accordingly.
This is to inform you about the recent updates made to the SEM sample coating procedure in order to streamline the process and enhance its efficiency.
To have your samples coated, please drop them off at the image analysis lab (M&M 631) in the designated desiccator. Samples should be labeled with your name, email address, and any special instructions. If necessary, you can find labels within the desiccator. Labeled samples should be placed in the intake section of the dessicator. Once samples have been left, please fill out the Training/Coating Questionnaire to notify ACMAL staff of your sample.
Allow 2 days for us to coat your samples. Once completed your samples will be returned to the desiccator on the “Ready” shelf and we will send you an email.
Unfortunately the FEI Titan Themis STEM is down. There’s a piece of specimen (likely) attack the objective lens pole piece or the diffraction lens fixed aperture that is completely blocking the e-beam. So there’s no way to take images the way it is.
I’m calling service and will keep you posted.
Apologize for any inconvenience it may cause.
—
Erico Freitas
The instrument will be temporarily offline from August 1to August 18 to facilitate the installation of the SEMTech 8000 upgrade. During the upgrade period, the ESEM system will be inaccessible, and no reservations or usage will be possible. We kindly request that you plan your projects accordingly and make alternative arrangements for your imaging and analysis requirements during this period.
To ensure a smooth transition and help you familiarize yourself with the upgraded system, we will be offering training sessions for all ESEM users. These training sessions are mandatory for anyone intending to use the SEMTech 8000. The sessions will be conducted starting from August 19, once the upgrade is complete.
To schedule your training session, please sign up for training. You will be directed to our self-scheduling calendar, where you can choose a time slot that suits you best. Appointments are available starting August 19. Due to limited availability, we recommend scheduling your session at your earliest convenience.
Instrument Offline from 8/1 to 8/18
I am writing to inform you about an exciting upgrade to our Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) system. ACMAL has received funding to upgrade the ESEM with the SEMView8000. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Vice President for Research Office, the Institute for Materials Processing, the Materials Science and Engineering Department, and the MSE Senior Design team for making this upgrade possible.
The instrument will be temporarily offline from August 1 to August 18 to facilitate the installation of the SEMTech 8000 upgrade. During the upgrade period, the ESEM system will be inaccessible, and no reservations or usage will be possible. We kindly request that you plan your projects accordingly and make alternative arrangements for your imaging and analysis requirements during this period.
To ensure a smooth transition and help you familiarize yourself with the upgraded system, we will be offering training sessions for all ESEM users. These training sessions are mandatory for anyone intending to use the SEMTech 8000. The sessions will be conducted starting from August 19, once the upgrade is complete.
To schedule your training session, please sign up for training. You will be directed to our self-scheduling calendar, where you can choose a time slot that suits you best. Appointments are available starting August 19. Due to limited availability, we recommend scheduling your session at your earliest convenience.
We understand that this temporary unavailability and the training requirement may cause some inconvenience, and we apologize for any disruption it may cause to your work. However, we believe that the benefits of the SEMTech 8000 upgrade and the subsequent training will be instrumental in advancing our research capabilities.
If you have any urgent projects or time-sensitive samples requiring ESEM imaging during the upgrade period, please let us know as soon as possible. We will do our best to accommodate your needs either before or after the downtime.
We appreciate your understanding and patience during this upgrade process. The improved capabilities of the SEMTech 8000, along with the training sessions, will undoubtedly enhance our research capabilities and contribute to the success of our projects.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the ESEM upgrade, the training sessions, or their impact on your work, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. I am here to address any inquiries or provide additional information.
Related
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to inform you that I will be going on vacation from May 29th to June 19th. During this period, if you encounter any issues or have any questions, please reach out to the following contacts:
- For X-ray Facility questions, please contact
- Dr. Ed Laitila at 906-369-2041 or email ealaitil@mtu.edu.
- For Electron Optics Facility questions or sample preparation, please contact
- Dr. Erico Freitas at 906-299-2714 or email efragafr@mtu.edu.
- Josh King at 404-808-2803 or email jorking@mtu.edu
- For Scanning Probe Microscopy (AFM) & Surface Analysis (XPS) Facilities questions, please reach out to
- Dr. Timothy Leftwich at tleftwi@mtu.edu.
- For Confocal Imaging Facility questions, please contact
- Dr. Marina Tanasova at 906-487-1163 or email mtanasov@mtu.edu (Cell Culture Lab & Flow Cytometer)
- Jerry Lutz at 906-370-7402 or email jlutz@mtu.edu (Confocal)
- In case of an emergency, call public safety by dialing 911.
These individuals, as experts in their respective areas, will be able to assist you promptly. However, please note that for general inquiries or matters not specific to a particular area, it is best to contact me upon my return.
I have complete confidence in the ACMAL team’s abilities to handle any issues that may arise during my absence. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. I will be sure to get back to you promptly upon my return on June 19th.
Wishing you all continued success with your research.
Best regards,
Liz
Both the freight elevator and the passenger elevator are out of order in the M&M Building. Facilities is aware and has contacted the elevator repair technician.
If you would like information on how to request ADA/disability accommodations please contact:
Employees: ADA Coordinator, adacoordinator@mtu.edu or 906-487-3310
Students: Student Disability Services, sds@mtu.edu or 906-487-3558
-Wendy
—
Wendy Hackman
Facilities Management
146 Walker Building
1400 Townsend Dr
Houghton, Mi 49931
487-2155 Office
369-4509 cell
We at ACMAL are excited to announce that we are in the process of updating our micrograph posters.
We would greatly appreciate your valuable contributions to make them even more captivating. Though the initial focus is on electron images, we are also open to including other types of images, such as EDS/EBSD maps, that demonstrate the diverse range of analytical techniques available in our lab.
If you have captured any remarkable micrographs that you believe would be suitable for inclusion on our posters, we kindly invite you to share them with us. Your contributions will not only showcase your expertise but also contribute to the overall excellence of our collection.
To streamline the submission process, we have created an online form where you can easily upload your micrographs.
We are eager to feature a diverse range of micrographs, highlighting the advancements and discoveries within the field of electron optics. Your submissions will help us showcase the remarkable work being done by our community.
Thank you in advance for your participation and for sharing your impressive micrographs. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.