New user instructions

 

New users of the Advanced Microscopy Facility should follow the simple set of steps outlined below prior to beginning work in the laboratory. These instructions are also available as a PDF download.

Step 1: Contact us

Depending on our workload there may be a delay before a project can be started so please make sure that you let us know in good time before starting any experiments that require assistance from facility staff. Contact our facility manager by telephone or email to discuss the details of your project.

Step 2: Test sample

To determine if our instruments will give viable results for your sample, we offer a one-time-only sample test service. If the test fails and your sample is not amenable to our equipment, we charge a low testing fee:

Hitachi FB-2100 FIB sample preparation	$65
Hitachi S-4800 SEM imaging	$25
EDX analysis	$35

If the experiment is a success and you wish to retain electron microscope micrographs and/or EDX analysis information, we will bill you according to our standard fee schedule.

Step 3: Do it yourself, or hire us

Then, depending on how you would prefer to use the facility, select one of the follow options:

	To hire us to work on your project and/or to use the instruments on your behalf, use our online form, or download a PDF form and submit it to the laboratory in person, or contact our laboratory manager by telephone or email.
	To use the instruments yourself review the workshop calendar and sign up for one our workshops, which are generally held once a month. Once you have satisfactorily completed training you will approved to book self-serve instrument time on our online booking system.

Step 4: Booking instrument time

Once you have either successfully completed a workshop or arranged for us to do the work for you, you are ready to start your project.

Before beginning any work, you must agree to provide the Advanced Microscopy Facility with copies or references to all publications, presentations, acknowledgements, etc for results or work obtained herein. Please download the agreement form, print and sign it, and submit it to the laboratory prior to beginning any work.

	We will create a user profile for you on our online booking system. This profile will be used to book self-service time on the instruments for this and any subsequent projects. Once your profile is created, you will be able to login to the booking system and view the availability of the instruments. Refer to the manual for more detailed information on using the online booking system if necessary.
	Service work, instrument time, and workshop fees are outlined here.