Biomedical subjects

L S Chumbley

Publications and source records attributed to L S Chumbley.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

Development of a web-based SEM specifically for K-12 education.

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is uniquely suited for use in education due to its ability to produce clear three-dimensional-looking images of virtually any sample. Elementary and secondary science textbooks regularly contain SEM images of bugs, plants, human tissue, rocks, etc. as a means of illustrating the microscopic world to students. However, despite the widespread use of SEM images for educational purposes microscope companies have virtually ignored the area of education in their development and design of SEMs, due presumably to a perceived lack of marketing potential in this area. This article presents the results of a program aimed at developing a Web-based SEM that is specifically designed for educational use by students and teachers in pre-college classrooms. While virtually all companies tout some form of remote control, no concerted effort has been made to fully develop these capabilities for use by the education sector. The microscope under development, termed the WebSEM, seeks to remedy this situation and address this neglected market. Remote control of the WebSEM is possible by means of a simple web interface that allows the users a wide range of controls, depending on the skill of the operator at the remote site. The web interface is specifically designed to be simple and reliable such that little or no training is required for use. This joint effort between educators and a microscope manufacturer is the first attempt at the development of a truly education-oriented SEM suitable for use in the classroom.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗

PubMed1995

Computer networked scanning electron microscope for teaching, research, and industry applications.

A laboratory designed for teaching the operation of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) has been developed. The laboratory makes use of a computer network to allow remote operation of the SEM. Movable teaching stations, consisting of a computer, TV monitor, and joystick control, enable students to view the image on the SEM screen, move the sample, control the basic operating parameters of the microscope, and acquire X-ray spectra. Images can also be stored on the computers for image analysis or incorporation into reports. The great advantage of the system is that it has been designed to be flexible enough to allow operation from any location that has access to the Internet. The system is relatively inexpensive and uses nonproprietary computer technology available at any computer store. While the laboratory has been designed for teaching, the concept of a multiuser SEM facility that is inexpensive and easy to install should have applications in both industrial and research settings.

Computer Communication Networks↗

PubMed1990

Moiré fringe analysis of small precipitates in melt-spun titanium-silicon alloys.

Oxygen-contaminated, melt-spun, binary Ti-Si alloys have been examined by using transmission electron microscopy. The microstructure of alloys in the range of 4 to 10% Si (by weight) are cellular and consist primarily of alpha-Ti and the silicide Ti5Si3. Contained only within the Ti5Si3 regions are small, approximately spherical particles which are less than or equal to 10 nm in diameter. Due to their small size, the crystal structure of these particles could not be determined by using conventional diffraction techniques such as Selected Area or Convergent Beam Diffraction. By conducting a number of tilting experiments and observing the moiré fringe patterns produced when various matrix Ti5Si3 planes were used to image the sample, the crystal structure of the particles and the orientation relationship which exists between them and the matrix were deduced. The unknown particles, termed the Z phase, were found to be hexagonal with slightly different lattice parameters from the matrix Ti5Si3. Their relationship with the matrix was such that they appeared to be totally coherent. This may indicate that Z is an oxide based on the intermetallic Ti5Si3.

Alloys↗