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.
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
- 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
- Isabella Jaszczak at 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)
- 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.
From Erico Freitas:


Next week, Oxford will be on campus to improve the connection between SEMTech and Oxford. If you have experienced any issues using the ESEM, please let me and Isabella Jaszczak know.
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:
If you require staff operated analysis fill in the “Request Analysis” form available through ACMAL webpage https://www.mtu.edu/acmal/
Regards,
Erico Freitas
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

As a kind reminder, please use the following text when you acknowledge the ACMAL in your publications:
“The electron microscopy research was performed at the Applied Chemical and Morphological Analysis Laboratory at Michigan Technological University. Electron Microscopy facility is supported by NSF MRI 1429232”
Regards,
Erico
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
- 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
- Isabella Jaszczak at 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)
- 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