You are invited to participate in a visioning session focused on advancing characterization and fabrication capabilities at Michigan Technological University.
April 24, 2024, 12 – 3 p.m.
GLRC 202
The Applied Chemical and Morphological Analysis Laboratory (ACMAL) has received interest regarding the acquisition of a new XPS instrument to upgrade the capabilities of the instrument.
We are seeking faculty members who are interested in supporting this instrument proposal for the purchase.
March 12, 2024, 9 a.m.
M&M 610
If you are unable to attend this meeting, please fill out the survey interest form and we will include you in future discussions.
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.
I’m pleased to update you on the progress of the Apreo2 installation. Currently, the installation is proceeding smoothly, with the cryo system scheduled for installation next week, followed by the EDS and EBSD systems. Our aim is to have the instrument fully operational for ACMAL staff operation by April. At that time we will be available to perform staff assisted analysis on the instrument. Subsequently, once our staff is proficient and training protocols are established, we will commence user training, likely by mid-June.
If you have a strong interest in utilizing cryo capabilities for your research projects, I encourage you to reach out to me. Additionally, the Apreo2 will have a GIS and heating stages. If you’re interested in utilizing these capabilities for analysis, our staff will be available to assist you.
Impact on the ESEM Capabilities:
It’s important to note that the installation of the EDS and EBSD systems on the Apreo2 will impact the capabilities of the ESEM. Specifically, while the ESEM will retain EDS functionality, the AzTEC Feature will be discontinued, and EBSD capability will no longer be available on the ESEM. However, both these functionalities will be accessible on the Apreo2.
Training:
There have been many questions about training. We will prioritize training for the PIs of the proposal, those requiring EBSD or AzTEC features, and then individuals with prior SEM experience.
Timeline Summary:
- Cryo system installation: Next week
- EDS and EBSD system installation: Following cryo system installation
- Apreo2 operational by ACMAL staff : April
- Commencement of user training: Mid-June
If you have any questions or concerns please let me know.
Best,
Liz
I am pleased to extend an invitation to you for a Lunch and Learn session with Keyence on March 20th, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Keyence is a leading provider of digital microscopes, and this session will provide valuable insights into their cutting-edge technologies and products. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in the field and discover how Keyence’s solutions can benefit your research.
The event will include presentations, demonstrations, and interactive discussions, followed by a complimentary lunch.
Date: March 20th
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: M&M 610
Please RSVP by March 15 using the RSVP FORM to confirm your attendance. Feel free to share this opportunity with any colleagues or members of your research group who may be interested. We look forward to having you join us for this informative session.
Best,
Liz
Elizabeth Miller
The image quality is poor for images about 30k in mag. It appears as though one of the lenses is wobbling. We have spoken with Hitachi and they will be coming to campus on Monday.
Good news is the new Apreo FESEM installation is underway. We hope to have the instrument available for use by the end of the semester.
The stage for the sputter coater has been sent out for repair. If you need to sputter coat your sample please let me know.
Well it finally happened, the backscatter detector is broken. Until further notice the ESEM will not have a functioning BSE detector. I will look into replacement options.
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.