The Bureau of Economic Geology’s Scanning electron microscope (SEM) Laboratory provides state-of-the-art instrumentation for micro- to nanoscale imaging and chemical analysis of natural and synthetic samples as well as an array of sample preparation tools. The laboratory is critical to a diverse range of research projects in the areas of reservoir characterization, fracture measurements and interpretation, unconventional resources, and fluid-rock interactions relevant to geothermal energy and carbon sequestration, among many others. This laboratory has two high-resolution Field Emission Gun (FEG)-SEMs, two Ar-ion milling tools, a carbon coater, a metal (Iridium) evaporator, polishing tools, and a diamond saw. Beyond the Bureau and the Jackson School of Geosciences, this SEM Laboratory also supports collaborative research projects with outside academic institutions and industry partners. In addition to research activities by research staff and faculty, the facility supports and encourages student training and usage, and other educational activities including lab tours, workshops, outreach, and broader impact-related activities. The Bureau’s SEM Laboratory is funded through a Service Center.
The laboratory is located in Building BE3, Room 1.510 at the Core Research Center, J. J. Pickle Research Campus, The University of Texas at Austin.
For further details, please contact Priyanka Periwal.
