Materials Analysis Research Laboratory - Instrumentation

MARL has instrumentation available for materials characterization in several areas. Click on the category for more detailed information.

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

We have two SEMs - a Hitachi S-2460N variable pressure SEM (VP-SEM) and a JEOL 840A SEM. Both are equipped with secondary electron and backscattered electron detectors, motorized stages, x-ray analyzers and image analyzers.

X-ray analysis for microcharacterization (EDS)

Both SEMs are equipped with energy-dispersive spectrometers (EDS) for elemental analysis on a microscopic scale. The Hitachi S-2460N is equipped with a Oxford Instruments ISIS system and the JEOL 840A is equipped with an IXRF EDS2004 system. Both systems have light-element detectors for analysis of elements as light as Boron. They are equipped for quantitative analysis, digital imaging, line-scan x-ray profiles, multiple element x-ray maps, image analysis, and stereo imaging.

Image Acquisition, Processing, and Analysis

Both of the SEM x-ray analyzers are equipped for recording digital images from the SEMs using software that came with the analyzers. In addition, we have a Quartz PCI imaging system installed on the Hitachi/Link system for passive capture of SEM images. 
In addition, we have a Pixera Pro CCD camera for capturing images through the light microscopes or from a camera stand. It comes with Pixera Studio imaging application.
Noesis Vision's Visilog software is available for image processing and analysis. A variety of public domain tools for processing and analysis are also available including Image Tool. 

Light Microscopy

We have light microscopes available for reflected light (Olympus BH), transmitted light (Olympus BH-2), and for stereo (Olympus SZH) imaging. Lenses are available to interface both the Pixera camera to the microscopes for recording still images or movies.

X-ray Diffraction (XRD)

The lab operates a SIEMENS D500 x-ray diffractometer that is equipped with a diffracted beam monochromator and a sample spinner. The diffractometer is fully computer controlled using hardware and software from MDI, and the user has access to a wide variety of Windows-based data reduction and analysis software. Programs include algorithms for search-matching, quantitative analysis, profile fitting, calculating XRD patterns from known or approximated crystal data, and the determination of crystallite size. Both copper and chromium X-ray tubes are available. 

X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)

The lab operates a PHILIPS PW2404 X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The spectrometer is equipped with a 60-specimen sample changer for automated operation. The spectrometer utilizes a rhodium target X-ray tube and a 4kW generator to provide the primary X-ray beam. This provides excellent sensitivity for the determination of all elements from boron through uranium. The spectrometer is fully computer-controlled and the user has access to both qualitative and quantitative analysis software. Specimens can be introduced into the spectrometer as bulk solids (powders, pellets or fused disks) or as liquids or semi-solids. A full range of XRF sample preparation equipment is also available at the lab.

Thermal Analysis (TGA, DSC, SDTA)

Thermal analysis is provided with a TA Instruments (formerly DuPont) thermal analysis system with TGA, DSC, and SDTA modules. The TGA and DSC modules are equipped with automated sample changers for unattended analyses.

Sample Preparation

The lab is equipped with extensive facilities for preparing samples. Equipment includes cutoff saws, grinders, polishers, sputter coaters, evaporators, sample presses, etc.

Network and Computer Support

MARL operates its own local area network for exchange of data within the laboratory. It is connected to the Internet and operates its own WWW and FTP servers.
Results are typically available for immediate retrieval via the FTP servers.
Results can be stored to USB drives, ZIP disks, JAZ disks, CD-ROM, and standard floppies.
We have transferred results to many different platforms and in many different formats and in many different means including ftp and mail.