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Kratos X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer - Axis Ultra DLD
Information the Equipment Can Provide
This multi-technique with photoelectron and ion spectroscopies, including surface-mapping capabilities, was purchased from Kratos Analytical in 2007 to determine surface elemental and composition analysis. Most samples can be analyzed in a non-invasive or non-destructive method. This instrument is equipped with additional techniques:
- X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) provides information on elemental composition and chemical bonding states of materials
- Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) provides information on valence levels and work function measurements of materials
- Low energy Ion Scattering spectroscopy (ISS) provides provide evaluation of the elemental composition and structure of solid surfaces
- XPS mode is also capable of surface mapping to provide lateral distribution maps of elemental and chemical species at the surface
Key Features
- Signal detected: Photoelectron from near surface atoms
- Elements detected: From Lithium to heavy metals
- Detection limits: 0.1 to 1 atomic %.
- Depth resolution: 2 to 8 nm
- Depth Profile: 0.5 nm/second using Argon ions
- Lateral resolution: 15 to 500 microns
The Kratos XPS is also equipped with a set of chambers and a capsule (collectively called ROX interface) to transfer air sensitive samples from an argon (or nitrogen) filled glove box to the XPS surface analysis chamber, which is under ultra-high vacuum (UHV). The Rox Interface was designed and developed at the Texas Materials Institute (U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/445,650 filed July 29, 2014). Unlike commercial interfaces, the Rox interface was designed with a unique innovation, as it has a built-in semi-quantitative method to monitor sample transfer reliability and validity.
Fees and Policies
- UT Users: $60/hour
- Higher Education/State Agencies: $212/hour
- Corporate/External Users: $293/hour
To become a new user of this facility, please read the Instrument Reservation Information page. If you are already a user you can make a reservation in FBS.
HF Hood
Information the Equipment Can Provide
Hydrofluoric acid is a clear, colorless liquid which is an extremely dangerous material in all forms, including vapors and solutions.
Chemicals approved for use in the TMI’s cleanroom HF hood:
- Buffered oxide etchant (BOE), Buffer HF improved, solution UN2817, Transcene (mixture of ammonium hydrogen difluoride, hydrofluoric acid and water)
- Hydrofluoric acid (48 wt. %), 7667-39-3
Usage of any other mixtures with HF will have to be approved by the facility manager.
Supporting Documents:
Fees and Policies
Cleanroom Entry fee:
- UT Users: $6
- Higher Education/State Agencies: $10
- Corporate/External Users: $10
There are no fees associated with using the HF Hood, except the cleanroom entry fee.
Do not attempt to use the HF hood without prior training.
Hydrofluoric acid-based processes can be performed only between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Always work in pairs, reserve the HF hood in FBS and start timer.
To become a new user of this facility, please read the Instrument Reservation Information page. If you are already a user you can make a reservation in FBS.
To become a user of this instrument you must first complete the Cleanroom Safety Class. Please contact the facility manager to schedule a training session.
Rigaku Miniflex 600 Diffractometer I
Information the Equipment Can Provide
The MiniFlex 600 is a fast, powerful, compact benchtop x-ray diffraction system. Its capabilities include identification of crystalline phases, crystallinity, crystallite size, crystal structure determination. Sample holders for air/moisture sensitive sample are available.
Fees and Policies
- UT Users: $7/hour
- Higher Education/State Agencies: $45/hour
- Corporate/External Users: $45/hour
To become a new user of this facility, please read the Instrument Reservation Information page. If you are already a user you can make a reservation in FBS.
Rigaku Miniflex 600 Diffractometer II
Information the Equipment Can Provide
The MiniFlex 600 is a fast, powerful, compact benchtop x-ray diffraction system. Its capabilities include identification of crystalline phases, crystallinity, crystallite size, crystal structure determination. MiniFlex 600 II is equipped with an automated 6 position sample changer with sample spinning capability.
Fees and Policies
- UT Users: $7/hour
- Higher Education/State Agencies: $45/hour
- Corporate/External Users: $45/hour
To become a new user of this facility, please read the Instrument Reservation Information page. If you are already a user you can make a reservation in FBS.
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Texas Materials Seminar Series
The Texas Materials Seminar Series features MSE 397 Seminars, TMI Distinguished Lectureships, and TMI Special Seminars, where leading faculty and professionals from around the world share cutting-edge innovations and advancements in materials engineering with our students.
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$12M+
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News
Alumni & Current Students of MS&E Program Lead on Collaborative Paper Showcasing New Way to Enhance Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Materials Science & Engineering alum Shanmukh Kutagulla and current student Patrick Carmichael are the lead authors on a new collaborative paper, out in ACS Nano, that presents a novel solution to problems that plague hydrogen fuel cells. Commonly used as an alternative to fossil fuels, hydrogen fuel cells currently have issues with hydrogen "leaking" through the membrane, lowering the efficiency and performance.
Latest Progress from Guihua Yu's Group Highlights Improving the Stability of Aqueous Batteries
Materials Science & Engineering graduate student Tianrui (Terry) Zheng, along with postdoctoral researcher Zhengyu Ju under the direction of Dr. Guihua Yu, have published a paper that focuses on improving the stability of aqueous batteries in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Also contributing to the paper were Dr. Amy Marschilok, Dr. Esther Takeuchi and Dr. Kenneth Takeuchi from Stony Brook University.
Guihua Yu Awarded Grand Discovery Prize from Global Prize for Innovation in Water
Continental water-stress may soon meet its match, thanks to breakthrough work from the University of Texas at Austin scientist and engineer, Professor Guihua Yu of the Cockrell School of Engineering, who has just received the top honor — the Grand Discovery Prize — at the 2025 Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW) in Saudi Arabia, in recognition of his pioneering hydrogels-based solar water technologies. (Business Wire)
MS&E Student Wenlong Li Leads Collaborative Paper on Battery Charging Designs
Materials Science & Engineering graduate student Wenlong Li, along with Mechanical Engineering graduate students Ayrton Yanyachi and Junyi Xia and under the direction of Dr. Yijin Liu, have published a collaborative paper that focuses on the charging protocols used in consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Also contributing to the paper were former MS&E student Dr. Yixian Wang, TMI-affiliate David Mitlin, and Mechanical Engineering professors Ofodike Ezekoye and Junmin Wang.
Tushar Telmasre Receives Two Awards From 248th ECS Meeting
Tushar Telmasre, a Materials Science & Engineering graduate student, received two awards for his work and presentations during this fall's 248th Electrochemical Society Meeting, held in Chicago, Illinois in October.
