From www.taylor.edu - Taylor University, integrating faith and learning

Scanning Electron Microscope

Jeol SEM Taylor University has recently been given a scanning electron microscope by Princeton University. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) will be used to conduct various research endeavors. The SEM has not been set up yet because preparations for a suitable clean room are under way. When the clean room is functional, the SEM will be set up so that students can utilize the space for valuable research. 

(The Photo pictured to the right is an example of what our cleam room and SEM will look like)  

According to Dr. Huang, the SEM will be utilized for Nanofabrication and Calibration as well as Nanolithography. He said that he expects the SEM to be up and running within the next year. Dr. Huang will be responsible for purchasing any necessary components and helping to assemble the SEM for student use. Any time a SEM is transferred from one location to another, it must be modified and reassembled.

How it Works

To function it is neccessary to have a photography machine. The photography machine receives micro level images. With those images, one may utilize the SEM to reach nanometer resolutions. With this machine, students will be able to fabricate down to microns. To get an idea of the size of 1 nanometer, picture 1000 football fields. Then imagine casting one piece of dust onto some spot on those football fields. That piece of dust is the equivalent size of one nanometer. Students will be able to participate in very delicate and cutting edge research with the SEM. 

The table which the SEM sits on must be supported by a dry nitrogen airbed. This airbed is responsible for ensuring that there is absolutely no vibrations underneath the SEM. One of these airbeds is approximately $50,000. However the Airbed along with every other component was donated to Taylor University. The SEM will also be equipped with an EDS system which will allow students to conduct Xray analysis. With the SEM, students from the Physics, Engineering, Biology, and Chemistry departments will be able to gain valuable experience which will ensure that they are ready for graduate studies as well as thier career related occupations.  

It is extraordinary that Taylor owns one of these machines because few other CCCU (Council for Christian Colleges and Universities) Schools own a Scanning Electron Microscope.