A high resolution, fully analytical 200 keV transmission electron microscope (TEM) will be purchased under this Major Research Instrumentation award. The TEM is a modern analytical instrument indispensable in today's materials research. The proposed instrument will be the only TEM dedicated to materials research available at Louisiana State University (LSU). The proposed enhancement will greatly benefit a large number of research programs of faculties in a broad range of units or departments such as materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, physics, and chemistry. Together with the existing scanning electron microscope and Auger/ESCA surface analysis instruments, these major pieces of equipment will constitute the nucleus of the centralized, campus-wide Materials Characterization Facility that will have a significant impact on materials research and curricular activities. This centralized facility will serve all interested materials researchers at LSU. %%% The high resolution, analytical transmission electron microscope, purchased under the National Science Foundation's Major Research Instrumentation program, will be a major component of the Louisiana State University's Materials Characterization Facility. This facility is essential to the ability of LSU to sustain and extend a strong, externally funded research program that provides the faculty and the campus with international visibility and contributes significantly to the economic development of the state of Louisiana. ***
