Applied Chemical and Morphological Analysis Laboratory Newsblog

Category: Status

All equipment status updates.

ATTN FESEM Users – Computer Virus

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February 12, 2024

Update on the FESEM, 

  • The microscope now has a clean version of the operating system.
  • This week, MTU IT will be setting up a system to allow for retrieval of the data.

As of today, do NOT put any USB into the FESEM.

February 5, 2024

Just an update. Unfortunately the FESEM is still down. We need to rebuild the hard drive for this computer. HITACHI will be on campus this week to resolve the issue. 

January 26, 2024

All FESEM users need to be aware that there was a virus on the FESM that had been transmitted by the USB drive. HITACHI was on campus this week and confirmed the infection. We are working to get a clean harddrive in the instrument. Until then the FESEM will be unavailable.

Additionally, anyone who has used the USB to transfer files may have malware on their USB and computer. Please work with MTU IT if you have any concerns.

Once the FESEM is back online we will be establishing a new protocol for transferring files. More information will be available soon.

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ACMAL Holiday Hours

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ACMAL will have limited hours over the upcoming holiday break.

This week, users can access the lab Monday through Friday during normal business hours. We ask that newly trained users make appointments with their trainers during this period so someone is near in case there are troubles.

The university will be closed December 25th – January 1st. Unrestricted users will have unlimited access to the building and labs. 

I am out of the office from December 11 through January 2nd. 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
  • For Electron Optics Facility questions or sample preparation, please contact
  • For Scanning Probe Microscopy (AFM) & Surface Analysis (XPS) Facilities questions, please reach out to
  • For Confocal Imaging Facility questions, please contact
    • Dr. Marina Tanasova at 906-487-1163 or email mtanasov@mtu.edu (Cell Culture Lab & Flow Cytometer)
  • 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.

Wishing you all continued success with your research.

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For STEM users – Analysis Request forms

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I have discontinued the “Intake Sample Request” form.

If you are a certified operator of the FEI Titan STEM, please fill in the “Independent Usage Request” form available through this webpage:

https://www.mtu.edu/acmal/shared-facilities/electron-optics/instrumentation/fei-200kv-titan-themis-s-tem/

If you require staff operated analysis fill in the “Request Analysis” form available through ACMAL webpage https://www.mtu.edu/acmal/

Regards,

Erico Freitas

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STEM users – O2 sensor in the lab

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The O2 meter at the STEM lab is inoperante. We are now using a small hand size backup O2 sensor (see picture) in the STEM lab. It’s on the window stool.

If it reads 24 it means the oxygen level is normal.

Please, do not remove this oxygen sensor out from the lab, and leave it next to the window so it’s visible from outside.

If it flashes and beeps please leave the room and let me know or ACMAL staff know.

Erico Freitas

Handheld sensor with O2 display reading at 24.
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Liz is on Vacation 10/23-10/28

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Dear ACMAL Users,

I wanted to inform you that I will be on vacation from October 23 through October 28th. 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
  • For Electron Optics Facility questions or sample preparation, please contact
  • For Scanning Probe Microscopy (AFM) & Surface Analysis (XPS) Facilities questions, please reach out to
  • For Confocal Imaging Facility questions, please contact
    • Dr. Marina Tanasova at 906-487-1163 or email mtanasov@mtu.edu (Cell Culture Lab & Flow Cytometer)
  • 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 October 30th.

Wishing you all continued success with your research.

Best regards,

Liz

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ATTN: AFM & FIB Users

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The reservation calendars for the AFM and FIB will no longer be merged. We’re splitting these two calendars. It’s important to note that this is a shared space, and both instruments might be in use simultaneously. If your research is highly sensitive, please make sure to book the room on both calendars.

The new calendars will be named:

  • ACMAL-Origin AFM
  • ACMAL-FIB

Let me know if you have any questions,

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