MRI: Acquisition of laser ablation for ICP-MS and electron microprobe upgrade, for geological and environmental research and research training

这项拨款通过主要研究仪器计划获得，为UTEP的14年历史的第一代Cameca SX-50电子微探针的操作系统升级提供部分费用支持。我们将升级控制系统，以取代Cameca微探头上过时的DEC pdp软件。DEC或Cameca不再支持DEC系统；我们还没有新开发的分析和成像能力。原来的Kevex EDS（能量色散光谱仪）系统同样严重过时，没有EDS成像和测绘能力或轻元素检测。我们将用一个具有完整成像和映射包、高计数率和轻元素检测器窗口的系统来取代它。UTEP的电子探针实验室是一个多用户和多学科的设施。它为来自整个校园的个人和团体提供研究，研究培训和教学功能，包括理学院，工程学院，文科学院和健康科学学院的成员。微探针实验室还为埃尔帕索-华雷斯社区及其他地区的个人、企业、教育机构、政府机构和非政府组织提供帮助。3名共同研究人员和他们的研究组目前正在进行15个项目，这些项目将利用升级后的设施。这些研究项目包括：构造、变质反应、植物修复、环境生物传感器、沙漠清光、颗粒物空气污染、深部成矿、重金属的生物吸附、珊瑚中微量元素、微探针数据量化、土壤中金属的形态、有孔虫Mg/Ca古温度测量。其他UTEP研究人员资助的项目中使用的其他微探针设备包括颜料，催化材料，考古学，健康，土壤盐渍化，复合材料和外来合金等主题领域。早期和持续的研究接触是UTEP吸引和留住科学和工程专业学生，特别是代表性不足的少数民族学生的战略的重要组成部分。墨西哥裔美国人约占UTEP学生总数的三分之二。其中两名共同pi是少数民族成员，他们是特殊的榜样和亲密的学生导师。仪器和动手实验室经验对于建立与学生的“联系”非常重要，这往往决定了他们的学术选择，成功和最终的职业道路

0116660PingitoreThis grant, made through Major Research Instrumentation Program, provides partial support of the costs for upgrading the operating system of UTEP's 14-year-old, first generation Cameca SX-50 electron microprobe. We will acquire a control system upgrade to replace the antiquated DEC PDP-based software on our Cameca microprobe. The DEC system is no longer supported by DEC or Cameca; newly developed analytical and imaging capabilities have not been available to us. The original Kevex EDS (energy dispersive spectrometer) system likewise is seriously outdated and has no EDS imaging and mapping capability or light-element detection. We will replace this with a system featuring a full imaging and mapping package, high counting rate, and light-element detector window. UTEP's electron microprobe laboratory is a multi-user and multi-disciplinary facility. It serves research, research training and instructional functions for individuals and groups from across our campus, including members of the Colleges of Science, Engineering, Liberal Arts, and Health Sciences. The microprobe laboratory also assists individuals, businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations in the El Paso-Juarez community and beyond. The three co-investigators and their research groups have 15 projects, currently underway, which will make use of the upgraded facility. These research projects include the following topics: tectonics, metamorphic reactions, phytoremediation, environmental bio-sensors, desert varnish, particulate matter air pollution, plutonism, biosorption of heavy metals, trace elements in corals, microprobe data quantification, speciation of metals in soil, and foram Mg/Ca paleothermometry. Additional microprobe equipment use on funded projects from other UTEP researchers includes such topic areas as pigments, catalytic materials, archaeology, health, soil salination, composites, and exotic alloys. Early and continued exposure to research is an essential part of UTEP's strategy to attract and retain students in science and engineering, particularly under-represented minorities. Mexican-Americans comprise approximately 2/3 of the student body at UTEP. Two of the Co-PIs are minority members, who serve as special role models and close student mentors. Instrumentation and hands-on laboratory experience are important to establish the "connection" with students that often determines theiracademic choices, success, and ultimate career paths.***