Acquisition of a transmission electron microscope and a tabletop scanning electron microscope, together with a stabilizer, scroll vacuum pumps, and glass knife maker for the Electron Microscopy Center

Abstract

The acquisition of a new transmission electron microscope (TEM) is a necessary step in order to meet the needs of the users of the ESALQ, Center for the Support of Research in Electron Microscopy (NAP/Mepa), which serves users in the ESALQ community as well as those at other institutions. The TEM that is currently in use is more than 20 years old and, albeit still operational, has maintenance problems. The 10 kVA stabilizer will serve to avoid fluctuations in the electrical current feeding the TEM. The tabletop scanning electron microscope (TTSEM) will be used for research that is less demanding. Given its portability, the TT-SEM will also be employed in the projects undertaken during ESALQ mini-courses (at conferences, institutions of higher learning, and research institutes), as well as and in high schools, in order to bring science to our youth. The three scroll vacuum pumps are needed in order to replace the 15-year-old pumps currently in operation. Similarly, the glass knifemaker would replace the current one, which is quite worn out. The NAP/Mepa was inaugurated in 1995 and has always operated in a multi-user, multidisciplinary, multi-institutional manner. Since 1995, the NAP/Mepa has sponsored 120 courses (introductory courses and special courses), in which approximately 2,500 users, at various institutions (in Brazil and abroad), have received training. By availing themselves of the NAP/Mepa facilities, those users have, to date, generated approximately 1,060 published articles. Because of its multidisciplinary nature, the center encompasses various fields of study, including agricultural sciences, odontology, medicine, biology, physics, chemistry, paleontology, metallurgy, and wood/paper technology. This request for acquisitions is aimed at improving the service provided to these users, who, once trained, have unrestricted access to the equipment at the center. Access is provided at no cost, unless the user is a privately-owned company. In the modus operandi of the NAP/Mepa, users not only operate the equipment but also go through all of the steps involved in the electron microscopy process, the staff at the center offering guidance and support. Over the last 15 years, the NAP/Mepa administration has secured the maintenance contracts. However, the current ESALQ Board of Directors has recommended that new contracts be sought and that extra funds be set aside for the maintenance of the equipment to be acquired. This proposal is founded in a number of associated and complementary projects underway at various institutions, all users of the NAP/Mepa, and in diverse areas of knowledge. (AU)