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Frequent Questions
General
Who do I contact if an instrument isn't working or something is not right with the lab in general?
The first step would be to go up stairs to rooms 1B40 or 1B49 and ask for help. If no one is available contact NCF: ncf@colorado.edu.
The first step would be to go up stairs to rooms 1B40 or 1B49 and ask for help. If no one is available contact NCF: ncf@colorado.edu.
I've never even seen one of these instruments, can I be trained?
Yes, if you have a viable need for the instrument. The NCF facility is open to CU faculty, students and staff as well as industry researchers.
Yes, if you have a viable need for the instrument. The NCF facility is open to CU faculty, students and staff as well as industry researchers.
I've had some experience with SEM, do I need to be trained?
Yes. Training is needed in the operation of all of our instruments. The NCF instruments are quite expensive and are important to the work of other researchers so in order to prevent any mishaps we require you to be trained and certified before you are allowed to work independently.
Yes. Training is needed in the operation of all of our instruments. The NCF instruments are quite expensive and are important to the work of other researchers so in order to prevent any mishaps we require you to be trained and certified before you are allowed to work independently.
How do I get training?
The first step is to register as a facility member. Second, log in and click on the “training” section on the right hand side. Follow directions from there. Note: You MUST be an experienced user on the LVSEM (at least10 hours of independent use) before you can be trained on the FESEM.
The first step is to register as a facility member. Second, log in and click on the “training” section on the right hand side. Follow directions from there. Note: You MUST be an experienced user on the LVSEM (at least10 hours of independent use) before you can be trained on the FESEM.
I’ve been certified to use the instrument, what next?
After you are trained, you then need to request privileges on the instrument you were trained for. Once you receive approval you can then sign up for time slots on the schedule.
After you are trained, you then need to request privileges on the instrument you were trained for. Once you receive approval you can then sign up for time slots on the schedule.
Can I cancel my reservations?
Reservations can be canceled 7 days or more in advance. Any cancelation done after that amount of time needs to be done by an administrator: ncf@colorado.edu.
Reservations can be canceled 7 days or more in advance. Any cancelation done after that amount of time needs to be done by an administrator: ncf@colorado.edu.
What should I do if I have used the instrument longer than I signed up for?
You are welcome to continue your time so long as you are not encroaching on anyone else’s scheduled time. Kindly email ncf@colorado.edu and let us know.
You are welcome to continue your time so long as you are not encroaching on anyone else’s scheduled time. Kindly email ncf@colorado.edu and let us know.
I forgot my password.
If you have forgotten your password, email ncf@colorado.edu and we will reset it for you.
If you have forgotten your password, email ncf@colorado.edu and we will reset it for you.
Instruments
How much does it cost to use the instruments?
Instrument usage is charged on an hour by hour basis. Specific pricing for each of the instruments can be found on the pricing page.
Instrument usage is charged on an hour by hour basis. Specific pricing for each of the instruments can be found on the pricing page.
How long are the training sessions?
| LVSEM & FESEM: 2 hours | Confocal: 2 sessions of 2 hours each |
| AFM: 2 sessions of 2 hours each | Nano Indenter: 2 sessions of 2 hours each |
| Sample Prep room: 1 hour |
Where are the instruments?
The NCF managed instruments are located in the Discovery Learning Center in the following rooms...
The NCF managed instruments are located in the Discovery Learning Center in the following rooms...
| LVSEM: DLC2B82 | FESEM: DLC2B86 | AFM: DLC2B40 |
| Sample Prep: DLC2B30 | NanoIndenter: DLC2B40 | FIB: DLC2B84 |
How many people can attend a training sessions?
In general, up to four people may attend each training session. The number of people who are allowed to be present at a training session is determined by the professor and trainer of each instrument in addition to the skill level of the participants.
In general, up to four people may attend each training session. The number of people who are allowed to be present at a training session is determined by the professor and trainer of each instrument in addition to the skill level of the participants.
What are the main differences between the FESEM and the LVSEM?
The FESEM microscope has very high resolution and higher magnification. It also has a number of advanced analysis tools not available on the LVSEM. It is also more difficult to use than the LVSEM and it is also more fragile. You MUST be a certified and experienced (10+ hours of independent use) user on the LVSEM before you can be trained on the FESEM.
The FESEM microscope has very high resolution and higher magnification. It also has a number of advanced analysis tools not available on the LVSEM. It is also more difficult to use than the LVSEM and it is also more fragile. You MUST be a certified and experienced (10+ hours of independent use) user on the LVSEM before you can be trained on the FESEM.
If I have a Bio sample to use on the Confocal or AFM where can I keep it?
We have recently moved an incubator into the Confocal room making it possible for people to keep their samples in the same lab as the microscope.
We have recently moved an incubator into the Confocal room making it possible for people to keep their samples in the same lab as the microscope.
What are the advantages of using the AFM?
The AFM, Atomic Force Microscope, can produce a 3-D image of a sample surface and it does not need a vacuum environment to operate like the SEM microscopes do. Insulators and conductors can be imaged with the AFM with nanometer resolution.
The AFM, Atomic Force Microscope, can produce a 3-D image of a sample surface and it does not need a vacuum environment to operate like the SEM microscopes do. Insulators and conductors can be imaged with the AFM with nanometer resolution.
Can I bring my sample to learn with?
Yes, you are welcome to do so. However, if your sample is not easily mounted or is a challenging sample to image a reference sample will be used. It is important to understand that training concentrates on instrument operation and except for a precursory look at your sample you should not expect high quality images. You are welcome and encouraged to request assisted use with one of our expert users to help achieve quicker results.
Yes, you are welcome to do so. However, if your sample is not easily mounted or is a challenging sample to image a reference sample will be used. It is important to understand that training concentrates on instrument operation and except for a precursory look at your sample you should not expect high quality images. You are welcome and encouraged to request assisted use with one of our expert users to help achieve quicker results.
Can I give my sample to someone to analyze for me?
Yes, you may submit a request for assisted use to help you analyze your sample.
Yes, you may submit a request for assisted use to help you analyze your sample.
