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General Information | Sample Requirements | Use Policy | Checkout Procedure
A high-resolution analytical scanning electron microscope (ZEISS 1550VP) was installed in Sept 2002 at Caltech GPS Division Analytical Facility and became available for campus-wide use in Dec 2002. The new PC-based ZEISS 1550 SEM is a multipurpose state-of-the-art instrument capable of SE, BSE, FSE, variable pressure SE, CL imaging, high-resolution imaging (down to 1 nm), low-voltage imaging, chemical and crystallographic analyses. This is a field emission SEM which can operate at voltages ranging from 200 V to 30 kV and at magnifications ranging from 20 x to 900 kx for a wide variety of applications. The 1550 is equipped with two analytical accessories. An Oxford X-Max SDD energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) can perform a quantitative chemical analysis of a point or region and map the elemental distribution within a region or along a line. The other accessory, a HKL electron backscatter diffraction system (EBSD), can determine the crystal structure and orientation of the sample at a specific point, and conduct orientation mapping and phase identification at submicron scale. The SEM was acquired and is supported in part by the MRSEC program of the NSF under DMR-0080065.
We have a 24-hour online schedule system. Lab opens 9-5, Monday-Friday. Experienced users may have after-hour access to the SEM.
SEM Checkout
An SEM checkout is mandatory prior to using the SEM. Please read this Manual before your checkout session. There are also detailed manuals for SEM operation, EDS and EBSD analyses (available in the SEM lab). Please try to sit in with a fellow user for one session to familiarize yourself with procedures prior to checkout.
Sample Preparation
Your samples should be completely ready (e.g. polished, and/or coated) and mounted (if applicable and reasonable) before the beginning of your session. Do noy bring chemicals to this facility
Minimum Use and Cancellation Policy
When you sign up to use the SEM, you agree to use the instrument at that time, for a minimum of 1 hour per session (If you have a 15-minute job, you should piggy-back with another user on their session). Billing will begin automatically at the beginning of a session, so do not show up late or spend a long time with sample prep during your session. Cancellation is no longer an option, and in that event booked time will be charged. You should sign up for time only if your sample(s) will be ready and you have no other schedule conflicts. You may only modify or cancel your bookings until the day before your intended session.
Coordination with the manager
If you need training / a checkout or you just need help from Lab Manager or TA, please schedule a 2 or 3-hour session with assistance online.
Maintenance / Rescheduling
If the SEM is down for maintenance, or there is a need to change the schedule, Lab Manager will change the schedule as is deemed necessary. Users signed up will retain their order on the adjusted schedule and work will commence when the instrument is up and running. You will not be charged for cancellation due to rescheduling after maintenance.
Checklists / Cleanup / Log Book
You are expected to: follow checklists in the manuals, clean up after yourself (this includes transferring your files from the SEM computer), and to completely fill out the log book at the conclusion of your session. You may be charged operator time if Lab Manager has to clean up after you.
Priority
Priority for use of the SEM is as follows: 1. Maintenance, and any lab business or submitted jobs 2. All other users
Guarantee
You deserve the best possible results from the instrumentation and the manager of the facility, within the limits of the techniques involved and human nature. If you have any problems whatever, feel free to discuss these issues with the Facility Manager. We all want the facility to operate in an efficient and productive fashion!
09/23/2009 modified.
