Large Chamber Scanning Electron Microscope (LC-SEM)
Our Large Chamber-Scanning Electron Microscope (LC-SEM) is the only one located at a University in the U.S.
This instrument was acquired from the Y12 National lab in Oakridge TN. At the time of acquisition, there were two such units in the US, both at Oakridge Y12 labs. One unit was recommissioned at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma and the other here at WKU.
A Scanning Electron Microscope works by scanning a beam of electrons on a sample. These electrons are able to interact with the sample and create signals that reveal the surface topography and composition, allowing the SEM to produce an image. An EDX (energy dispersive x-ray) detector can be used with the SEM--this will analyze the x-rays that are emitted from the sample as it is bombarded by the electron beam. The EDX allows for identification and quantification of the elemental composition of the sample.
A typical SEM needs the sample material to be at least 1 cubic micrometer in size, but it is limited in the maximum size by the size of the sample chamber. A good rule of thumb is no larger than 300mm in diameter and 50mm in height. The LC-SEM at WKU is capable of measuring complete parts up to 1.5 m2 and weighing up to 600 lbs!
Capabilities:
- Up to 100000x magnification capable
- Conductive and non-conductive materials
- Both high vacuum and variable vacuum capable
- EDX detector
- EHT detector
- Backscatter detector
