A new electron microscope purchased by Central Queensland University has been installed at the Process Engineering and Light Metals centre in Gladstone.

Professor of Industrial Materials Science, Richard Clegg said the $300,000 low vacuum scanning electron microscope (SEM) was fundamental to the operation of PELM’s Industrial Materials laboratory.

“It will greatly enhance the research capability of the CQU and will be widely applicable to solving problems in the local industries,” said Professor Clegg.

“The instrument is capable of detecting elements from beryllium to uranium with a detection limit of approx. 0.5%.

“Unlike older style SEM units which required samples to be coated with gold or carbon, this microscope can look at uncoated samples, greatly simplifying specimen preparation and reducing costs.".

Professor Clegg said it would enable CQU students to conduct a wide range of research in the fields from plant and marine science to industrial materials science and play a potent role in research for industry.

“The magnification capacity is so great that we are able to study organisms as small as viruses. It will also have an important application in studying industrial materials such as alumina.

“With this microscope we will be able to check the shape of the particles that come out of the refinery, checking for quality and defects,” he said.

Although some training is required for the instrument, Professor Clegg said it was much easier to use than older style SEM's, with the instrument being controlled through an MS Windows interface. By the end of next month CQU hopes to have set up the technology that will enable users in Rockhampton to use the machine in Gladstone over the net using a system called "WebSEM".

Photos: Professor Clegg with the new microscope plus a screen shot showing a corner of a fly’s eye plus the hairs on its face..