User Information

Engineer uses Apreo Electron Microscope

In the sections below, users can find important information about how to schedule service/projects via iLab, training protocols, and the current rates in the Swagelok Center for Surface Analysis of Materials (SCSAM) at Case Western Reserve University.

Scheduling

All scheduling is done through the Agilent iLab portal. Instructions for creating a CWRU user account is provided below:

iLab Registration

Internal users from Case Western University can register through the iLab portal.

Creating an Account

  1. In the top right, there's a blue button that says "Sign In”.
  2. Register with your CWRU ID and password. 
  3. Your PI and department admin will receive an email asking to confirm that you are in their lab and to assign a SpeedType for lab time.

Submitting a Service/Project Request

Each project (scope defined by the user) starts with a service request (click here). This could be for an entire funded program and last for five years, or be narrow in scope for a few samples.

Training Protocols

The following SCSAM instrument training protocols have been established with significant input from the engineers. The objective is to maximize the efficiency of the one-on-one training sessions. The training for all machines is an individualized, multi-step process. This includes a virtual, independent component where the user does the work to teach themselves the basics of microscopy.

SCSAM instrument training protocols

The training protocols are subject to change, and you should come back to the website regularly to check during your training process.

Instruments Available for Training (engineer contact's name in parentheses)

Analytical Equipment 

  • XPS (Kim)
  • portable XRF (Kim)

Microscopy

  • Apreo SEM (Karakulak Uz)
  • Helios SEM/FIB (Karakulak Uz)
  • Optical Microscopy - Keyence VHX-5000 (Hoven)
  • 3D Optical Profilometry - Keyence VR-6200 (Hoven)
  • Atomic Force Microscopy (Hoven)

Structure, Properties, and Sample Prep

  • X-ray Diffraction (Hoven)
  • Nanoindenter (Hoven)
  • Ion Polisher (Hoven)
  • Sputter Coater (Karakulak Uz)
  • Struers Polishing Systen (Bensusan)

Rates

 

 Academic (CWRU) 

 External Non-profit 

          Industrial         

Instrument

$/hr

$/hr

$/hr

PHI XPS

85

140

300

PHI TOF-SIMS

85

140

300

FEI Helios FIB/SEM

85

140

300

Thermo Apreo SEM

65

105

230

TEM Remote Console

25

40

90

AFM

50

80

175

XRD

50

80

175

Nanoindenter

50

80

175

Keyence VR-6200 3D Optical Profilometer

35

60

125

Keyence VHX-5000 Optical Microscope

30

50

105

Bruker Tracer 5g portable XRF

$30/hour

$50/hour

$105/hour

 

$150/day

$250/day

$525/day

 

$600/week

N/A

N/A

Denton Desk V Sputter Coater

35

60

125

Ion Polisher

30

50

105

Struers Polishing System

10

20

35

Struers Consumables

35

35

35

Sample Prep*

65

105

230

Data Analysis/Report Summary*

55

90

200

Engineer Time

30

50

105

Cancellations must be communicated 24 hours in advance of the time booked. 

Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance will be assessed a charge of no less than 50% of the time booked.

Rates are subject to change to accommodate changes in operational costs, to include but not limited to inflation.

Both internal and external clients  are charged the hourly engineer time during training sessions. This incentivizes new users to come to training sessions prepared, following the pre-work protocols on the “Training Protocol” page. Once a user completes the training protocols and is deemed a trained, independent user, they are no longer charged the hourly engineer time.

*Includes Engineer Time