SEM Lab

The program in Geological Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a wide range of earth science disciplines. We are currently growing our laboratory capability for materials analysis, including recently acquired automated XRD, automated XRF spectrometer, and petrographic microscopes linked by video networking. In early 2008 we will acquire a new variable-pressure scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with low-vacuum secondary detector, high-resolution BSE, EDS, EBSD and CL systems. This SEM will be an integral part of a growing materials characterization and analysis facility shared by Geological Sciences and other science and engineering programs at UMD, including Biology, Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

Instrumentation

By the end of March, we hope to have delivery of the following equipment for installation:

• JEOL JSM-6490LV (variable-pressure, W-filament SEM)
• Oxford INCA Energy 250 energy-dispersive (EDS) system with x-act ADD detector
• Oxford/HKL Nordlys-II electron back-scattered diffractometer (EBSD) with forescatter detector
• Oxford Synergy system software
• Gatan ChromaCL cathodoluminescence (CL) system
• low-vacuum SEI detector (ESED)
• Deben cool stage
• IR chamberscope
• Faraday cup with Keithley microammeter
• Au-C sputter coater
• vibratory polisher
  

The new lab will be housed in LSci93 & 91, in the campus wing near Geology, Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy, and Physics, including ample space for the SEM, prep and storage areas, office and workstation areas, and a separate “wet” lab room with sink, storage and room for pumps and water chiller.

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