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
All equipment status updates.
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.
We recently have encountered issues with the TEM single tilt holder and want to draw your attention to the right way of handling it.
Now that we have several certified users, and the number of users are increasing, and taking into account those parts are very expensive and may take time to replace, we all need to refresh ourselves on how to use it.
Please take a few minutes of your time to watch this YouTube video I find useful.
TEM Sample Holder Loading for Talos TFS (FEI) F200X
Please ask me if you have any questions.
Erico Freitas
I’m happy to inform you that the X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer (XPS) is now back online. We appreciate Dr. Leftwich’s assistance in getting the XPS up and running smoothly.
If anyone has samples they need analyzed, please contact Dr. Leftwich directly.
I’m happy to inform you that the AFM is up and running smoothly and is ready for use. Last Friday, our IT team successfully deployed the computer. This morning, Dr. Leftwich tested the AFM computer by collecting an image in AC mode in the air, and it appears to be functioning properly.
The computer updates on the AFM are going well. We will be working with IT early next week on the deploy and hope to have the instrument back up and running soon.
Thanks for your patience,
Liz
Just a quick update. The sputter coater stage has been repaired. It is available in sample prep. As always please be gentle working with this instrument. Also, do not put carbon tape directly on the stage.
For those who need TEM grids to prepare TEM specimens, ACMAL does provide some grids. I left a few TEM grid boxes in a small glass desiccator at M&M 631.
There are instructions next to it.
Be aware that there are users’ specimens that are TEM-ready in those grid boxes. So, be mindful when manipulating the grid boxes.
If you need help, please contact Erico Freitas.
