INSTRUMENTATION
The center of our facility is a Cameca ims 4f ion microprobe: a double-focusing, magnetic sector SIMS instrument which may operate in either positive or negative secondary ion polarity. This mass spectrometer is highly flexible and is capable of detecting ppb-range concentrations of most elements. For trace element applications our sampling area typically has a diameter of less than 30 µm. In addition to trace element capabilities, this machine can provide high resolution depth profiles with a depth resolution of better than 10 nm. Our instrument also possesses a "Resistive Anode Encoder" upgrade which allows for low level (~10 ppm or greater) mapping of elemental distributions with a ~3 µm spatial resolution. Computer controlled data acquisition is provided by the Charles Evans v4.3 software package.
In addition to our Cameca SIMS instrument, we possess a Dektak IIA stylus profilometer which provides nanometer-scale data on surface roughness and pit depth. Non-conducting samples must be coated with an electrically conducting film prior to SIMS analysis -- we employ a BIORAD SC502 sputter-coater which produces a high-purity gold film on the polished sample surface.
FACILITY HISTORY
A Cameca ims 4f (S/N #161) was purchased by the Department of Energy's Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) in 1989 for use as a material characterization tool. In 1992 the current collaboration between SNL and the University of New Mexico's Institute of Meteoritics was initiated, and in June 1992 the machine was moved from the grounds of the national laboratory to the Advanced Materials Lab on the university's south campus. Since 1992 this facility has performed two primary functions: (1) to provide analyses for NSF-sponsored research projects and (2) to support SNL's established mission. Beyond these two core foci, analytical services are provided to the broader scientific and engineering community on a time-permits basis.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
A full-time university staff position (Michael Wiedenbeck) is devoted to the maintenance and operation of the UNM/SNL ion microprobe facility. Beyond the day-to-day running of the facility, this facility provides support for optimizing analytical conditions, establishing suitable machine calibration procedures, conducting the actual SIMS analyses and collating raw data. Assistance is also available with the reduction and interpretation of the collected data. Machine hardware maintenance is the responsibility of a research engineer (Robert Macy) who is a staff member of UNM's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences.
Given advanced notification,we will work with customers to identify and characterize suitable standard materials and will work to develop new analytical packages. Samples may either be sent to our laboratory with adequate documentation for analysis or customers may elect to be present at the time of analysis so as to assist with identifying the sample locations. For those users new to the SIMS technique, we recommend they be present when their initial analyses are conducted so as to better understand the strengths of this technique.
SPECIALIZATIONS
The 1992 collaborative agreement between UNM and Sandia Labs was focused on geochemical and cosmochemical application of this technology. For this historical reason, our facility maintains a broad array of trace element calibration standards for a variety of silicate matrices:
In recent years our facility has diversified into new research fields. Of particular significance is the increased focus on our advanced ion imaging system. We have also expanded our support into non-traditional subjects (e.g., physical anthropology). Inquiries from such fields as paleontology, archeology, environmental sciences, inorganic chemistry, biology and materials engineering are welcome.PRICE STRUCTURE
Research which is sponsored by the National Science Foundation is given provided laboratory access at a rate of $50/hr. This fee includes machine usage (initial machine warm-up and calibration at the beginning and end of session, as needed); the generation of raw data/image files for the analyses are included in this fee. Non-NSF funded research are currently provided machine access at the rate of $100/hr. SNL-sponsored analyses are charged via case numbers at the prevailing hourly rate.
Beyond machine access, we provide such services as sample preparation, the evaluation of trace element data and assistance with data interpretation at the rate of $50/hr.
ADDITIONAL ANALYTICAL SUPPORT
Through our association with the UNM's Department of Earth an Planetary Sciences, we have access to a broad spectrum of supplementary analytical techniques. Access to this instrumentation can be arranged either by directly contacting the laboratory manager concerned or through the contacting the SIMS laboratory at the address given below.
CONTACT ADDRESSES
- For further information please contact:
- Dr. Michael Wiedenbeck (SIMS Lab Manager)
- E-mail address: michaelw@unm.edu
- phone: (1-505) 272-7122 (office)
- phone: (1-505) 272-7614 (lab)
- FAX: (1-505) 272-7304
- Shipping Address:
- Michael Wiedenbeck
- Advanced Materials Laboratory
- 1001 University Blvd., SE
- Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106-4342
- Invoicing and Accounts Payable Address:
- Institute of Meteoritics (Attn: Sarah Lentz)
- Northrop Hall, Room 313
- University of New Mexico
- Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-1126
- phone: (1-505) 277-1644
- FAX: (1-505) 277-3577
USEFUL WEB RESOURCES
VENDORS