June 17, 2024
The FIB is down for repairs. I believe we have identified the issue. I will have an update tomorrow.
June 18, 2024
Update on the FIB. I will need to order some parts. So the system will be down until they arrive.
All equipment status updates.
Dear ACMAL Users,
I hope this message finds you well. We wanted to inform you of an upcoming change regarding the billing and usage tracking system for all ACMAL instruments. Starting from July 1st, we will be transitioning to a new system called FOM (Facility Online Management) for managing these aspects.
To access the new FOM system, you can log in online at fom.mtu.edu with your SSO credentials. Please note that to log in, you must be connected to the MTU internet network. Alternatively, you can utilize the Big Edge IP client to access the system from home. Please refer to the user guide below for more information.
FOM Internal User Guide Draft 3
We understand that transitions like this may raise questions or require some adjustments. To assist you with this transition, we will be hosting information sessions June 26th and 27th. These sessions will provide an overview of the new system, address any concerns you may have, and offer guidance on navigating the transition smoothly.
- Session 1 – Wednesday June 26th, 1-2pm in M&M 610 or via Zoom
- Session 2 – Thursday June 27th, 11am – noon in M&M 610 or via Zoom
Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Best,
Liz
Kindly fill in the small TEM gridbox map (the little piece of paper inside the ziplock bag) whenever you take TEM grids out of the desiccator in the MM631.
That way we’ll know which grid is new and which one is not.
Thanks
Erico Freitas
I am taking my children to a medical appointment today out of town and will not be on campus during the day.
I will be available over the phone if you need any help with the microscopes.
Thanks,
Erico Freitas
Hi FESEM users,
The Hitachi service engineer did the year’s maintenance on the FESEM this past Monday and Tuesday 5/20 and 5/21.
1) He fixed the spring on the stage where we slid the specimen mount in. It was loose and that was causing some vibration. We should not see less jiggling images at higher magnification.
2) He did the full column alignment. From now on, use the software only when you do the alignments. Do not change the physical knobs of the apertures.
3) The beam monitor aperture is set at position 2, and should be kept at 2 !!!
4) If you ever need to change the objective aperture, only use the knob to switch between apertures 1, 3, or 4. Do not use aperture 2.
Objective aperture sizes: 1 > 3 = 2 > 4
Attn.: Objective apertures 2 and 3 have the same size. We exchange them annually when one or the other gets dirty. This year we are using 3.
Remember: Home stage position is: X=Y=Z=12.5 mm, Tilt = 0, Rotation = 0
Please, let me know if you still experience any problems.
Erico Freitas
The ACMAL labs doors at 6th and 7th floor of the M&M building should be kept open during the day as the room temperature is getting too high.
Because the building anual steam maintenance there’s no air circulation in those labs. The steam maintenance is going to be done in May 3rd. Until then, please kept the doors open during this the day.
Sincerely,
Erico Freitas
I found food scraps in the floor next to the AFM computer (MM632).
As a reminder food is not allowed in none of the ACMAL labs.
Erico Freitas
The new sputter target has been replaced. The instrument is available for use.
As a reminder, use thin coating on your samples. The last user applied 10nm which is very thick.
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to inform you that I will be on medical leave from April 25th through June 6th, 2024.
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, or Isabella Jaszczak at 734-250-1624 or email imwakeha@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 & 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.
Training and analysis requests can be completed online using our Google form.
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 6th.
Wishing you all continued success with your research.
The target on the sputter coater has worn out. A new target has been ordered and is expected within 6-10 business days. The target has temporarily been changed to Iridium.
There are special directions for using the Ir target (see detailed instructions below).
Target density: 22.42
Current: 20mA
Coating thickness: 1-3nm
Your two other options are:
1) We have a Cr target. However, in the past that has resulted in charging.
2) As soon as next week, you can start to schedule time with our staff on the Apreo2. Uncoated samples can be imaged using variable pressure mode. VP mode utilizes a gas in the sample chamber as a charge dissipation and signal amplification method, allowing analysis of a sample without preparation in the form of a conductive coating.