MATE 280 SEM Writeup

Dear all,

Some of you have e-mail accts that are over quota so the message bounced back.  I will upload the images onto the blog so you can access them from there. 

I made some corrections to the "intro to SEM" document, so you should follow the questions on the latest version which is attached.  Also, I will attach on the blog what I think are the most representative images of what you are trying to show in each step, rather than just sending you your individual images from each group.  For example, BSE_Al_03 shows the carbon tape, epoxy and aluminum while using the backscatter detector. 

When writing up your lab reports, use the same format you've been using for the other lab reports.  When writing the intro, you should go in depth (in your own words) about the theory and what is happening when an electron hits the sample.  If it helps you can add schematics, formulas, etc. 

For the data analysis section, please do not blow up the images to take up the whole page.  You can easily fit several images together onto one side of a sheet of paper, number them and in your discussion (after the images) refer to those numbered images. 

For your data analysis, you should be able to explain what each image is showing.  IOW, how the electrons are interacting with the sample and how this gives us certain type of information.  For example, why does the BSE image looks different than secondary?  What does going to a lower kV do to the sample resulting in a different image than higher kV.  What are the trade-offs?

After your data analysis section answer the questions that are at the end of your 'intro to SEM' document.  Please number the answer according to the number of the question.  You do not have to re-type the question.  Then your conclusion comes after the questions.

The labs are due Wednesday 11/11 at noon in the folder in the 'nanomaterials group' mailbox in the MSE dept office.

Patricia