I’m happy to report the FESEM is back online. The repairs were completed this morning and the instrument can be reserved as soon as this afternoon.
The AFM computer is not currently working. MTU IT is aware of the problem. We will work with them to address the situation.
Until the issue is resolved, the instrument will not be available for use.
July 14, 2023, 11:14 a.m.
Unfortunately the service engineer couldn’t complete the repairs this week and will be returning next week.
July 12, 2023, 2:35 p.m.
Hitachi will be on site tomorrow to repair the issue. We hope to have the FESEM back online soon.
July 12, 2023, 10:50 a.m.
The FESEM has a vacuum issue and won’t be available for use until we can repair this. I have calls out to our service engineers and hope to know more soon.
I’m glad to let you know the STEM is back online.
You may schedule sessions using Google calendar from tomorrow’s afternoon on.
Make sure to select ACMAL-STEM room.
Erico Freitas
The ESEM is back online. We have a temporary fix. The issue will be permanently solved by the upgrade in August. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any problems.
The ESEM is currently down. We are having issues with the vacuum control unit.
Aleksey Smirnov (GMES) and Katie Bristol ’20 (M.S. Geophysics), currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Florida, collaborated as co-authors on a research paper published in Icarus, a prestigious journal renowned in the field of planetary science.
The paper is titled “Magnetic characterization of the Daule chondrite (Ecuador’s first meteorite fall): The case of elusive tetrataenite?”
The study also involved researchers hailing from Ecuador, Iceland and Norway.
Two representative samples of bulk Daule material were analyzed using an FEI Philips XL 40 Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) at the Applied Chemical and Morphological Analysis Laboratory at Michigan Technological University (MTU).
- The morphology and texture of mineral grains were examined using backscattered electron (BSE) imaging.
- The elemental composition of the material was determined through energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) using a ∼ 15 kV accelerating voltage.
- Basic elemental mapping was performed.
The new data contribute to the database on the magnetic properties of meteorites, in which meteorites of Daule’s type are underrepresented.
K.E. Bristol, A.V. Smirnov, E.J. Piispa, M.R. Ramirez Navas, A. Kosterov, E.V. Kulakov, Magnetic characterization of the Daule chondrite (Ecuador’s first meteorite fall): The case of elusive tetrataenite?, Icarus, Volume 404, 2023.
This is just a reminder that the ACMAL facilities will be CLOSED Tuesday, July 4, 2023. This is a University Closed Holiday so the building will also be locked.
Only those with swipe access will be able to use the instruments.
Please plan your instrument use accordingly.
This is to inform you about the recent updates made to the SEM sample coating procedure in order to streamline the process and enhance its efficiency.
To have your samples coated, please drop them off at the image analysis lab (M&M 631) in the designated desiccator. Samples should be labeled with your name, email address, and any special instructions. If necessary, you can find labels within the desiccator. Labeled samples should be placed in the intake section of the dessicator. Once samples have been left, please fill out the Training/Coating Questionnaire to notify ACMAL staff of your sample.
Allow 2 days for us to coat your samples. Once completed your samples will be returned to the desiccator on the “Ready” shelf and we will send you an email.
Unfortunately the FEI Titan Themis STEM is down. There’s a piece of specimen (likely) attack the objective lens pole piece or the diffraction lens fixed aperture that is completely blocking the e-beam. So there’s no way to take images the way it is.
I’m calling service and will keep you posted.
Apologize for any inconvenience it may cause.
—
Erico Freitas