  Polarized Light Microscopes
The
center has two polarized light microscopes for optical characterization
of materials. Both scopes have film camera attachments. One has an
ultra-high resolution digital camera (3.2 million pixels) with movie
capability. The output from the digital camera is imported in real-time
to a state-of-the-art image analysis program that has modular
programming ability. The maximum magnification of the scopes is 2000.
The second microscope allows accurate measurement of fibers, grooves,
and other microscopic items as it can precisely measure height, width,
and depth. |
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  Ion Mill
The
ion mill prepares thin samples for use in an electron microscope. It
mills an extremely precise microhole in a material thinned initially in
a Dimpler. Once the material is milled, internal layers are exposed for
viewing. |
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Surface Thermal Diffusivity
This
is a non-destructive photothermal technique developed in the Center for
Advanced Friction Studies for measuring the thermal diffusivity on the
surface or through the thickness of a given material. It uses a 30-watt
CO2 laser and a four-quadrant photodetector. The resolution is 0.5 mm. |
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