A new paradigm—multi-user scanning electron microscopy

Abstract

Alaboratory designed for teaching the operation of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) has been developed at Iowa State University. The laboratory was developed to enhance the education of undergraduate and graduate students in the use of the electron microscope by allowing more students to gain hands-on experience at operating an SEM. While the system was designed for teaching purposes, the concept of a multi-user SEM has clear applications for industry and research as well. For example, researchers will be able to conduct SEM investigations from their offices using desktop computers; live images can be acquired and displayed during staff meetings in a conference room; production engineers can view quality-control samples while on the production floor. In short, a multi-user SEM possesses enormous potential for a wide variety of applications.