History and Facilities of the EMPL
The Electron Microprobe Laboratory (EMPL) was
established in 1988 through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy
(#DE-FG22-87FE1146). It was initially built around a CAMECA SX50 electron probe
microanalyzer that was the second such instrument in the world, and first in
North America, to have a maximum configuration with five wavelength-dispersive
spectrometers. In August-September of 1995 upgrades to computer automation,
backscattered electron detection system, and imaging systems were accomplished
via a National Science Foundation grant (#EAR-9404658), with matching funds
supplied by the University of Oklahoma Vice President for Research and from
user fees accrued by the laboratory. Further upgrades to the computing systems,
Energy-Dispersive X-ray Analyzer automation, digital image capture system,
display monitors, and printers were made in the first half of 1999, again via
funds from OU VPR and accrued user fees. The GATAN cathodoluminescence detector
was added in June, 2000, made possible from by funds from the OU VPR. The sample stage was replaced in 2004 with
funds from a National Science Foundation grant (#EAR-0124179). Further upgrades
to the computer automation, image and EDXA acquisition systems, and other
hardware components within the microprobe were enabled by a 2007-2008 National
Science Foundation grant (#EAR-0649001), with additional funds furnished by the
University of Oklahoma Vice President for Research.
The
SX50 was retired from service in March of 2015 in favor of a newer CAMECA SX100
that was obtained by donation from Sandia National Laboratory through the
Department of Energy’s Laboratory Equipment Donation Program. Installation and
automation of this instrument, including updating the Energy-Dispersive X-Ray
Analyzer to a system based on a new silicon drift detector, was supported by funds
from a National Science Foundation grant (#EAR-1401940) and, again, by generous
support of the University of Oklahoma’s Vice President for Research. The new
instrument is also a five-WDS machine with configuration
that provides even greater flexibility for light element analysis and greater sensitivity
for many trace elements than the previous system. The cathodoluminescence detector,
developed as a prototype for the SX50, was transferred to the SX100.
The EMPL occupies three rooms on the lower level of Sarkeys
Energy Center,
comprising a total area of near 1000 ft2. The microprobe itself is
situated in a spacious room (#E106) of nearly 600 ft2. Controlled
atmosphere and dedicated uninterruptable power supply provide a superbly stable
operating environment year-round. Complete sample preparation facilities,
including grinding and polishing equipment, binocular microscope, and research
grade petrographic microscope are available in the adjoining laboratory.
Support equipment (rotary mechanical vacuum pumps and the dedicated water
chiller for the microprobe) are located in the adjoining sample preparation
laboratory and in a nearby equipment room, to minimize noise, vibration, and
excess heat around the microprobe itself. Throughout its existence, operation
of the facility has graciously been supported by the Office of Research
Administration at the University of Oklahoma.
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