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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
HF Hood Use Requirements
This hood is dedicated exclusively to hydrofluoric acid (HF)-based processes. Users may operate the hood only after completing the required training.
General Requirement
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- Users are required to work in pairs when using the HF hood.
- HF hood use is permitted only between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday - Friday.
- Although there is no fee for using the HF hood, users must:
- Reserve the hood through FBS before use.
- Start the FBS timer when beginning their work.
The following chemical is approved for use in the TMI cleanroom HF hood:
- Buffered Oxide Etchant (BOE) from Transene, a mixture of ammonium hydrogen difluoride, hydrofluoric acid, and water.
Use of any other HF-containing chemical, mixture, or formulation requires prior approval from the facility manager.
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.
Please contact Dr. Raluca Gearba and/or James Smitherman 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+
In Grant Funding
20+
Research Patents
10K+
Sq. Ft. of Research Labs
News
Zhantao Chen Publishes New Article on AI-assisted Tool
Zhantao Chen, an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering and a TMI-affiliate, has published an article on an AI tool in Nature Machine Intelligence. The article used AI to help researchers in ways that would assist in experimental tasks that are often labor-intensive and tiresome.
Terry Zheng & Yu Group Publish New Work on Water-Based Electrolytes
Materials Science and Engineering graduate student Tianrui (Terry) Zheng, under the supervision of Dr. Guihua Yu has published research in Advanced Materials introducing a biphasic electrolyte architecture that combines the strengths of water-based (aqueous) and organic-based electrolytes for long-duration, high-rate zinc metal batteries.
Get Better Sleep With Ultrasound Patch That Boosts REM Rest
A wearable bioelectronic device increased REM sleep in real-world trials, without invasive surgery or medication.
Published by UT News.
Yuebing Zheng Awarded 'New Directions' Seed Funding from UT OVPR
Yuebing Zheng was awarded seed funding through the University's Office of the Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors. The 'New Directions in Research' grants are one time payments that give faculty an opportunity to obtain proof-of-concept or pilot data for future, larger grants.
Terry Zheng Awarded UT Chevron Energy Graduate Fellowship
Tianrui (Terry) Zheng, a Materials Science & Engineering graduate student working with Dr. Guihua Yu, is a recipient of the 2026-2027 UT Chevron Energy Graduate Fellows Award from UT's Energy Institute.
