Funds are requested to support the acquisition of a state-of-the-art field emission environmental scanning electron microscope (FESEM) to improve the quality and expand the scope of the research, training and education activities at Kansas State University (KSU). This instrument offers higher resolution imaging, electron-beam-lithography (EBL), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and a broader range of operating conditions that will significantly enhance the research capabilities at the University. The new FESEM will be housed in the central KSU Microscopy Laboratory which serves as the core, multi-user microscopy facility for five Colleges, 20 Departments, and a private company. This equipment is a critical part of a broader effort of the University to improve its microscopy and imaging capabilities to provide a well-equipped, integrated research and education environment. The FESEM-instrument requested is the FEI NovaNanoSEM 230 with EDS & EBL.
