InstrumentScanning electron microscope (FEI Quanta 600)

OSU Microscopy Facility
OSU Research Park
1110 S. Innovation Way Drive
Stillwater
OK
74074
United States

Description

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) uses electrons as the source of illumination. The image is formed by electrons that interact with the surface of the sample and "bounce" off with different energy levels. Thus, the SEM is useful for investigating the surface features of a wide range of samples including everything from rocks to flowers and "bugs" to all kinds of nanomaterials. The addition of X-ray microanalysis to the microscope enables the determination of the elemental composition of the samples observed. The electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) enables the discrimination of the crystalline phases of the sample.

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Applications

  • In the OSU Microscopy Laboratory, the Scanning Electron Microscope is being used to examine the interaction between bacteria and geological materials including samples from contaminated oil wells, to examine the surfaces of dentures and protective mouthpieces to locate and characterize biofilms, to look for tin whiskers in space flight components, to follow the development of all-ceramic dental crowns and metal-ceramic composites, to follow the development of new approaches for manufacturing photonic band gap crystals and to take photos for the annual Ugly Bug Contest, among many other projects.

Contacts

OSU Microscopy Facility
405-744-6765
lisa.whitworth@okstate.edu

LOCATION

  • Microscopy Facility

Location

OSU Microscopy Facility
OSU Research Park
1110 S. Innovation Way Drive
Stillwater
OK
74074
United States