Student research opportunities

Linear Translator for SHRIMP IIe Ion Probe

Project Code: CECS_557

This project is available at the following levels:
Engn4200
Please note that this project is only for undergraduate students.

Supervisor:

Outline:

Australian Scientific Instruments Pty Limited is a Canberra-based company owned by ANU Enterprise, which manufactures the SHRIMP IIe Sensitive High Resolution Ion Microprobe, a world-class high resolution mass spectrometer developed at the ANU. It provides detailed isotopic information on single spots in a mineral sample.

The SHRIMP IIe can generate 2-D isotopic images by rastering the sample across the primary ion beam, or by rastering the ion beam across the sample. Mechanical rastering can be done with the existing stepper motor-driven stage, but for extended imaging sessions there is the potential for the stepper motors to heat up and offgass.

The project will examine options for mechanical rastering, including determining heat dissipation and temperature rise in the stepper motors as a function of duty cycle for fixed and variable current drive electronics, and using an addition linear translation device to provide 1-D scanning over a small range. This could be a commercial piezoelectric linear stage, or a custom-made stage using a low dissipation motor such as a 'squiggle' or 'inchworm' piezo-electric motor, or a piezo bimorph. The potential exists to design, model, fabricate and test a custom-made linear stage, within the scope of the project.

Contact:

Ed Roberts