Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is an essential tool for research and teaching at universities.  A new research class SEM instrument is urgently needed to replace an outdated and unreliable SEM that is no longer able to meet our growing research and training demands.  The requested variable-pressure tungsten-filament SEM will serve the research needs of nine major and many minor users.  The requested SEM will be suitable for high-resolution surface imaging of specimens in high- and low-vacuum modes.   It is additionally equipped with a cooling stage and water vapour introduction kit for the benefit of users in Biology who image delicate hydrated specimens and with an x-ray microanalysis system for the benefit of users in Chemistry and Earth Science who require elemental analysis of their samples.The SEM facility is managed by a committee of three faculty members with many years of experience and an excellent track record in research.  Routine maintenance and hands-on training to students will be provided by an SEM technologist with 16 years of training at the graduate and postdoctoral level who has previously managed a large multi-user research facility.  User fees will be collected and used for upgrades and to cover the costs associated with regular maintenance of the new instrument.Availability of a new variable pressure SEM will allow at least nine research groups with currently 47 students and research personnel to maintain and even increase their research output and quality.  Two faculty members of the SEM committee will also use the instrument for instruction in existing undergraduate courses (Cell Biology and Experimental Methods in Nanotechnology).  An estimated 25 HQP will be trained yearly in SEM microscopy.