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Facilities & Equipment

Innovate SoDak has access to a variety of scientific equipment at SDSU, and we can tailor a testing plan to your specific needs. If you have any questions about the technology or are interested in testing not listed here, please contact Director Stephen Gent.

Electrical Engineering Labs

Nitrogen Glovebox
Nitrogen Glovebox

 

M. Braun Glovebox System

M. Braun Glovebox System
Argon Glovebox

M. Braun glovebox systems, are operated using closed loop circulation method, providing user with a non-reactive atmosphere of <1ppm moisture and oxygen content. The system use inert gas enabling the user to handle substances which are sensitive to oxygen and/or moisture. The system has three major functions: Purging, Circulation and Regeneration. SDSU UC facility possesses M. Braun glovebox with separate Nitrogen and Argon filled environment for thin films and battery fabrication respectively. The Nitrogen filled glovebox is coupled with thin film evaporation system.

 Hitachi 3400N

The Hitachi 3400N is SEM consisting of Tungsten Filament allowing accelerating voltage up to 30kV. It is equipped with both Secondary electron and Backscatter electron detectors with fully eucentric 5 axis motorized stage allowing sample up to 25cm diameter. This system has magnification range from 5X to 300,000X. This system is also equipped with EDS system for chemical composition and elemental mapping.

Hitachi S-3400N SEM
Hitachi S-4700 FE-SEM

Hitachi S-4700 FE-SEM

  • Accelerating voltage range: from 0.5 keV to 30 keV
  • 2.5 nm resolution at 1kV; 1.5 nm resolution at 15 kV
  • Magnification range: from 30X to 500.000X
  • PC-controlled five axis motorized stage
  • Specimen stage rotation 360˚ in continuous mode
  • Specimen tilt at 12mm working distance (WD) up to 45˚
  • Sample size up to 100 mm diameter x 17 mm high
  • Two secondary electron (SE) detectors: one above the objective lens, the other below
  • Digital image acquisition at 640 X 480, 1280 X 960, or 1560 X 1920 pixels
  • Fully digital imaging, image processing and archiving system
  • Attached with EDS system for chemical composition and elemental mapping.
Torr IBAD System

Hitachi 3400N

The TORR IBAD System is designed for thin film deposition using magnetron sputtering deposition, thermal evaporation, ion beam assisted deposition, electron gun evaporation and ion beam etching. The system is equipped with both DC and RF supply for sputtering any type target. Mass flow controllers allow use of any three different gases (H2, N2 and Ar). The base pressure in chamber can be maintained up to 10-7 Torr. The ion-beam gun can be used for ion beam etching or ion beam assisted deposition. It uses four different types of ions (H2, O2, N2, or Ar) with energies up to 300 eV. The system consists of heater which allows samples to be heated up to 270° C.

The Trion Minilock II

The Trion Minilock II is a reactive ion etching (RIE) system intended for chlorine based etching. The system accepts 4” wafers or smaller samples placed on whole 4” wafers. The system has dual radio frequency (RF) plasma sources using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) to enable higher plasma density. Samples are loaded through the load lock on the left side of system and processed in the reaction chamber on the right. The system utilizes argon plasma processing.

Trion Minilock II
Plasma Enhanced-Chemical Vapor Deposition System

The Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD)

The Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) consists of two vacuum chambers using separate vacuum systems, 9 mass flow controllers, a shared power supply and separate temperature controllers. The Prep chamber is pumped with rough pump and turbomolecular pump in series. Pressure is controlled in Prep chamber using built-in PID controller that adjusts the “flow master” to change the gas flow rates and obtain desired pressure without changing the gas ratios. The CVD chamber is pumped using rough pump and a turbomolecular pump with a bypass through an exhaust valve system with is used to obtain the desired pressure.

MIDAS Mask Alignment System

Exposure and Mask Alignment System MDA-400

  • LED UV light source and Intensity controllable DC power supply.
    • Beam size: diameter 125 mm
    • Power: >= 10mW/cm-2
    • Beam Univormity: <= ±3%
  • Substrate Size: 4in, Piece~4in (Option-Chuck and Mask Holder replacement type)
  • Exposure Mode: Soft, Hard, Vacuum Contact and Proximity (Gap)Exposure System
  • Exposure time: 0.1 – 999s (0.1/0.01 step)
    • Utilities Requirement Electric Power: 220V, 10A, Single Phase with Ground, 60 Hz
    • Vacuum: Over -500mmHg

Horiba Raman Spectrometer

raman Spectometer

Raman spectrometer is used for identification substances in solid, liquid or gaseous states, phase diagnostic of inclusions in minerals, degree of crystallinity, changes in biological tissues.

  • Spectrograph: focal length is 800 mm; 3 diffraction gratings at 600 l/mm, 1800 l/mm
  • Spectral range: 4000-100 сm-1
  • Lasers:  tunable Ar+ laser with power up to 50mW and with notch filters at 488nm and 514 nm; He-Ne at 632nm and power up to 10 mW
  • Microscope: Olympus BX41with objectives 10Х (NA 0.25), 50X (NA 0.75), 50X (NA 0.5), 100X (NA 0.9)
  • Detector : Peltier-cooled CCD 1024Х256 px substances. 
    • 190 – 1100 nm wavelength range
    • 1 nm slit width
    • <0.03% stray light

Agilent 8453 UV-VIS
Spectrophotometer

Agilent 8453 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer

The UV-Vis spectrophotometer measures the amount of ultraviolet and visible light absorbed by the sample. This measurement is done by measuring the light intensity that passes through the sample with respect to light intensity of reference sample or blank. The Agilent 8453 offers the advantages of a diode array plus significant improvements in optical performance:

Burker ICON Atomic Force Microscope

Bruker ICON Atomic Force Microscope

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is also known as Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM). It provides atomic or about-atomic-resolution three-dimensional surface topography, which is ideal for determining angstrom-scale surface roughness on a sample. In addition to presenting a surface image, it can also provide quantitative measurements of feature sizes, such as step height, and other sample characteristics. By using AFM any kinds of surfaces such as those of semiconductors and insulators can be detected. Our AFM system is equipped with ScanAsyst auto image optimization mode based on PeakForce Tapping technology, which helps to obtain high-quality imaging results faster and easier. The applications include contact mode, tapping mode, ScanAsyst PeakForce mode and many others.

Neware Battery Testing System

Neware Battery Testing System 4000

BTS 4000 is one of the most successful battery testing system with following specifications:

  • AC input : AC 110V±10% 50Hz(AC220±10%50HZ)
  • Power: 25W Step Time ≤(365*24) hour/step
  • Resolution: AD 16bit, DA 16bit
  • Input Impedance: ≥10GΩ
  • Voltage: Charge 25mV ~5V, Discharge: 25mV~5V
  • Current:
  • Range1, 10µA~2mA
  • Range2, 2mA~20mA
  • Power output per channel: 0.1W
  • Time: Rise Time 1ms (0~Full Range)
  • Frequency: 10Hz

Laser Cutter (Universal VLS3.50/30W)

Laser Cutter

Specifications:

  • Work Area: 24" x 12" x 4"
  • Maximum Part Size: 26.75"W x 14.6"D x 4"H
  • Laser Options: 10,25,30,40,50 Watts
  • Size: 34" Wide x 26" Deep x 14" Height
  • PC Connection: USB 2.0
  • Power: 110V / 10A
  • Weight: 95lbs

 

Microscope (Lecia DMRX)

Microscope Lecia

Measurements: Micrography, topography, analysis of thin films or coating, defects, and roughness

Objectives: objective lenses include: x1.6, x10, x20, x50 and x100 dry

Camera: Leica DFC 420 with 5 megapixels

Software: Leica LAS 3.8

 

 

Specifications:

  • Work Area: 24" x 12" x 4"
  • Maximum Part Size: 26.75"W x 14.6"D x 4"H
  • Laser Options: 10,25,30,40,50 Watts
  • Size: 34" Wide x 26" Deep x 14" Height
  • PC Connection: USB 2.0
  • Power: 110V / 10A
  • Weight: 95lbs

 

Metabolic Analyzer (Korr ReeVue)

Metabolic Analyzer

The Korr ReeVue measures the oxygen that the body consumes. Using this measurement, it calculates a patient’s Resting Energy Expenditure (REE), commonly referred to as a Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR). Physicians can screen for abnormally low metabolic rates and pinpoint the precise caloric intake required for weight loss, maintenance, or weight gain. 

 

Ozone Monitor (2B Technologies Model 202)

Ozone Monitor

The 2B Technologies Model 202 Ozone Monitor™ is designed to enable accurate and precise measurements of ozone ranging from low ppb (precision of ~1.5 ppb) up to 250,000 ppb (0-250 ppm) based on the well-established technique of absorption of UV light at 254 nm. Flash card memory and a quiet, long-life internal air pump are now provided standard on the Model 202 Ozone Monitor. The Model 202 Ozone Monitor™ is lightweight (5.5 lb., 2.5 kg.) and has a low power consumption (12V DC, 0.60-amp, 7.2 watt) relative to conventional instruments.

 

PID Monitor

 PID Monitor (MiniRAE Lite PGM7300)

 

A Photoionization Detector (PID) is gas detector to measures volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, and other gases.

Specifications:

  • Size: 10 in. L x 3.0 in. W x 2.5 in. H (25.5 cm x 7.6 cm x 6.4 cm)
  • Weight: 26 oz (738 g)
  • Running time: 10 hours with alkaline, 16 hours with Li-ion
  • Warranty: 3 years on 10.6eV lamp
  • Lifetime on instrument (electronics, switches, display)
  • 1 year on sampling pump and rechargeable batteries

Civil and Environmental Engineering Labs

The laboratory is equipped with the following:

  • One large capacity MTS hydraulic actuator: 326 kip Compression/216 kip Tension; ±15″ Stroke; Static/Low Cycle Fatigue Loading
  • One medium capacity MTS hydraulic actuator: 146 kip Compression/100 kip Tension; ±10″ Stroke; Static/Low Cycle Fatigue Loading.
  • Two low-capacity MTS hydraulic actuators: 22 kip Tension/Compression; ±5″ Stroke; Static/Dynamic Loading
  • Reaction steel frame: rated at 250 kips vertical load at 0.14″ deflection/150 kips lateral load at 10′ above floor.
  • Reaction steel frame rated at 80 kips vertical load.
  • MTS universal testing machine rated at 55 kips, static/dynamic loading.
  • MTS universal testing machine rated at 135 kips, static monotonic/cyclic loading.
  • Two 100-ton hollow plunger cylinders: 10″ Stroke; available with 1″ and 1⅜″ diameter post-tensioning bars
  • 128-channel Vishay data acquisition system.
  • 72-channel Megadac data acquisition system.
  • Sensors (LVDTs, Load Cells), tools, accessories, etc.

Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering Labs

Agricultural Air Monitoring System

This customized system enables the automatic remote monitoring of several key agricultural gas pollutants (H2S, NH3, CO2, CH4, and non-methane hydrocarbons) from multiple sampling ports. It can be installed at a production site or carried by a mobile trailer (not shown in the picture) for field monitoring.

Grimm 11-D Aerosol Spectrometer

It measures the real-time number and mass concentrations of airborne particles of multiple size fractions(e.g., PM2.5 and respirable PM), as well as the particles’ size distribution by classifying them into 32 size ranges.

TSI 3007 Condensation Particle Counter

It measures the number concentration of submicron (i.e., nanosized) particles. It along with Grimm 11-D allows us to access the particle exposure in various ambient and indoor environment, including the agricultural environment.

MSEM 160 E-noses

The instrument is equipped with numerous gas sensors for odor-flavor analysis. It is worldwide the first instrument that can directly measure odor concentration in real time.

Dr. Gu has laboratories i.e. the Bioenergy and biomaterials Laboratories Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) at the South Dakota State University are upgraded in summer of 2011. The ABE building is home to multiple laboratories of advanced biorefinery research, include a biomaterials research laboratory (1000 ft2 dedicated to Dr. Gu’s research projects), a thermochemical bioenergy laboratory (700 ft2), a wet-chemical analytic laboratory (500 ft2) and a materials analysis and characterization laboratory (500 ft2). The recently NSF funded TEM center (being leaded by Dr. Gu) is housed in the newly completed analytical research Laboratory with humidity, dusty and temperature control in ABE (SAE106, SDSU). The TEM system has been installed in this 500 ft2 lab supplied with water, electricity and work benches, which has been dedicated for the TEM. These laboratories are well equipped with thermochemical nanomaterials preparation capabilities, protein purification and characterization, general wet-lab capabilities, a fume hood, pressure air and vacuum lines. High-purity deionized and reversed osmosised water system is also installed in these laboratories.

Dr. Gu at SDSU owns or has access to the equipment:

  • JEM2100 Transmission Electron microscope with EDX, STEM and Cryo functions.
  • A customized Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) system.
  • Joule Evaporation reactor for 2D materials synthesis
  • Nanoscribe‘s Photonic Professional GT2 3D printer with nanometer resolution.
  • One ASAP 2020 Micropore Analyzer with Krypton, and one Tristar Porous Fast Analyzer for physical gases (N2, CO2 and Ar) adsorption and analysis, which can supply information for porous structure and specific surface area of materials.
  • One Auto ChemII Adsorption Analyzer with Vapor generator will be used to conduct chemical adsorption, pulse adsorption as well as temperature programmed desorption (TPD) analysis.
  • One Shimadzu UV-Vis 2450 spectrophotometer.
  • Two Angilent HPLC systems with UV and IR detectors.
  • One Bio-Rad Fastflow (preparative) chromatography.
  • Ultrasonic (20-25 KHz, 400Watts) Autoclave Reactor (150 ml, up to 350°C) System.
  • Bio-Logic SP-150 Research Grade Potentiostat/Galvanostat/EIS analyzer.
  • Two CHI760E full functional Bipotentiostat/ Galvanostat/ Electrometer/EIS analyzer
  • Pine Modulated Speed Rotator electrochemical analyzer
  • One glove box (anaerobic and dust control).
  • One glove box (<1 ppm oxygen and < 1 ppm water ).
  • One cross-flow membrane filtration system (up to 300 psi)
  • One freeze dryer

Research Facilities:

  • TA-HD Plus Texture Analyzer
  • Accelerated Solvent Extractor
  • TA DSC Q100
  • TA TGA50
  • Texture Analyzer
  • Visco-analyser
  • Spectrophotometer Minolta
  • CE-Elemental Analyzer
  • Pin plasma generator
  • Bubble reactor
  • Tabletop Shaker
  • HPLC (1200 Series)
  • 1200 Series Autosampler
  • Auto Sampler-Quaternary Pump
  • CE440 Elemental Analyzer
  • Total Acidity Number Titrator (TAN)
  • Tubular Reactor System
  • Hydride Generator GBC
  • Karl Fischer Titrator
  • UV Spectrophotometer
  • Gas Chromatography
  • Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) Varian 735

Research Facilities:

  • Hobart Mixer
  • 500 ml Parr High-pressure Batch Reactor
  • 1000D Syringe Pumps
  • Mill Grinders
  • Carver Hydraulic Press
  • Brabender Extruder-single screw
  • Conical Twin Screw Extruder
  • Leap100 Power Source
  • Ozone Lab analyzer
  • Binder (drying + heating oven)
  • Pilot scale pyrolysis reactor
  • Continuous tubular high-pressure reactor
  • Pelletizer machine (3 mm diam, 100 lb/hr capacity)
  • Rotating drum (36-inch opening, 150 lb capacity)
  • Relative humidity meter (~3% accuracy)

Research Facilities:

  1. Gas Pycnometer
  2. Gallen Kamp Oven
  3. Dryer (Blue M)
  4. Bomb calorimeter
  5. Grain Flow Angle Measurement

Mechanical Engineering Labs

Chemistry and Biochemistry Labs

  • Eight fume hoods.
  • Six complete sets of reaction, solvent distillation and vacuum distillation systems with digitally controlled heating baths, circulating chillers, Büchi diaphragm vacuum pumps with controllers, oil pumps.
  • An Agilent 1100 series HPLC system (Left by Dr. You) installed with ChemStation B.04.03, equipped with two GPC columns (PL1110-6500, PLgel 5 mm MIXED-C 7.5 ◊ 300 mm, plus male-male connector) plus GPC Data Analysis software B.01.02.
  • A Shimadzu LC-8A Preparative HPLC with SPD-10A VP UV-vis detector.
  • Shimadzu UV-3600 UV-vis NIR Spectrophotometer with 5o Relative Specular Reflectance and T2 Single Temp Controlled Cuvette Holder.
  • An HP Agilent 8453 UV/VIS Spectrophotometer.
  • PerkinElmer Health Sciences Inc. Spectrum Two FT-IR with a new DynaScan interferometer, KBr optics and a temperature-stabilized DTGS detector, a scan range of 8,300-350cm-1, 0.5cm-1 resolution and 14,500:1 peak-peak signal-to-noise for 5 second scan.
  • A Perkin-Elmer LS-50 Fluorescence Spectrometer.
  • eDAQ Potentiostat System (ER466 plus software EChem 2.1.5) equipped with platinum auxiliary and working electrodes and a silver reference electrode.
  • DSC 6000 System, -100 to 450 oC, single-furnace design, alumina coated aluminum furnace, heating rate 0.01 to 100 oC/min, efficient, easy-to-clean nickel chromium sample plate, integrated mass flow controller for convenient gas control and switching, cooling times (100 to 0 oC with )
  • A Vacuum Atmosphere glovebox for storage and reactions of moisture- and oxygen-sensitive chemicals and solvents.
  • Thermo Scientific™ Heratherm™ Advanced Protocol Ovens 62L; Mechanical Convection, Fisher 51-028-124H.
  • MBraun Glovebox.
  • Novascan 4" UV/Ozone System with Digital Preset Controller.
  • A Specialty Coating Systems 6800P spin-coater for polymer thin film fabrication.
  • Cressington 108 Manual Sputter Coater without pump, Pfeiffer DUO 2.5 Dual/Two-Stage Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump 2.9CFM .18kW 3600RPM,
  • Sloan Dektak 3030 Profilometer
  • Newport Solar Simulator
  • A high power Newport Xenon Lamp (model 66903) with Newport power supply (Model 69911) and a Newport power meter (model 70260). (Left by Dr. You)
  • Olympus OLYBX53TF Polarizing Microscope with a MI150 Illuminator and a PAXCAM 2 Camera all from McCrone Microscopes & Accessories.
  • 40X-2500X Infinity Plan Research Compound Microscope with 3MP USB Digital Camera, T690C-PL-3M from
  • AmScope. AmScope 20x-40x-80x Stereo Microscope w/ 2 Halogen Lights, Model SE306R-AZ, 1.3MP USB2 Measuring Software Microscope Digital Camera, Model MU130.

Cleanroom Facility Tour

SEM Example