News
KIST Opens a Comprehensive ‘SEM Open Lab’ (March 7, 2014)
- Date : 2014-03-25
- Views : 6095
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As cutting-edge materials develop and become more industrialized, the need for nano-level analysis on material structure is growing ever more. As nano research is booming across the world, electron microscope becomes more important as a key tool in various researches to unveil the structure and nature of nano materials. Especially, the scanning electron microscope (SEM) is considered a key technology in analyzing surface micro structures, component distribution, and quantitative analysis. However, due to insufficient manpower in the past and equipment scattered across various organizations the quality of analysis was poor in terms of speed and accurateness. To overcome inefficiencies and to comply with the government’s “Plan to Nurture Integrated Facility and Equipment for Shared Use,” an integrated SEM analysis facility was opened.
KIST made an announced on March 6 that SEM Open Lab in the Advanced Analysis Center at KIST is opened and in operation.
The SEM Open Lab is equipped with 8 SEMs that are capable of performing analysis on surface structures, property, and chemical composition. Also, it is equipped with other devices to assess nano-level materials such as Raman and Nano Indentor to enable almost all electron probe analysis. The key feature of the lab is that it is open to users, where expensive equipment are available 24/7 for researchers and it is also equipped with dedicated staff to ensure efficiency and quality of analysis. Probe equipment including 8 SEMs in the SEM Open Lab have differentiated capabilities in image resolution and analysis methodology to allow researchers to perform various analyses including low vacuum moist content specimen observation, orientation of crystal, LED materials property analysis, semi-conductor circuit integration, manufacturing of integrated circuit, high and low temperature observation and mechanical property assessment in micro area as well as general micro surface structure analysis. This extensive combination of equipment is expected to be utilized widely across various areas and applications.
Ahn, Jae-pyoung, the Head of Advanced Analysis Center said, “Opening SEM Open Lab by collecting equipment that had been widely scattered into one location is expected to facilitate the use of devices with integrated management and improve credibility of data and also excel in providing support for various analyses.
The Advanced Analysis Center was also opened with KIST in 1966 and since then, it has supported scientists both in and outside of the institute with analysis technology that is essential in science and engineering research. Along with support for high-tech science research, it has participated in joint research through developing new analysis methodologies, establishing the state-of-the-art research infra, and operating an open research center, sharing its equipment with scientists both home and abroad and offering equipment training.
To use the SEM OPEN LAB, please visit the website of KIST Advanced Analysis (http://aac.re.kr).