On The Scope – A Masterclass in Practical Scanning Electron Microscopy

Next Offering:
Component #1: May 1-3, 2023
Component #2 (choose one) : May 4-5, 2023 or May 8-9, 2023
Course Description
On The Scope – A Masterclass in Practical Scanning Electron Microscopy is a training program covering the fundamentals of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) operation. The program is provided by The Ohio State University Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis (CEMAS), a unique facility containing more than $40 million in electron microscopes, expert technical staff, and a state-of-the-art digital theater. The program consists of two components:
- Component #1: A series of lectures/demonstration sessions delivered 100% live, online or in-person over three days.
- Component #2: A two day, “hands-on” training workshop on the electron microscopes. These training events are delivered in a safe, socially distant manner to small groups. The workshops are delivered in person using the established educational facilities and equipment at CEMAS.
Upon completion of the program, participants will be able to:
- Understand the operating principles and applications of SEMs.
- Perform a variety of common SEM imaging and analysis tasks.
- Improve the quality of their own SEM data collection and analysis.
- Participants who complete the program also receive a certificate of completion from CEMAS and the College of Engineering.
Program Dates

Component #1 (online or in-person): May 1-3, 2023
Component #2 (in-person): Participants choose one of two dates to attend.
- Option 1: May 4-5, 2023
- Option 2: May 8-9, 2023
Note: A minimum of four people are required to operate each two-day workshop with a maximum of twelve. All efforts will be made to accommodate preferences. Lunch and snacks will be provided for in-person attendees.
2023 program schedule
Program Component Details
Component #1:
A series of lectures/demonstration sessions delivered 100% online or in-person over three days. CEMAS will enhance the lectures with live demonstrations on the microscopes to illustrate each topic. Along with a recommended foundation of topics, a selection of elective lectures will be offered (listed below).
- Introduction to scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
- Electron sources probe formation
- Sample Prep
- High resolution imaging
- Non-conductive sample imaging
- Energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDS)
- Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)
- Data analysis
- Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)
- Cathodoluminescence
- In-situ/environmental SEM
- STEM in SEM
- Intro to FIB
- Semiconductor defect analysis
- Metallographic
- Data analysis
- Large area Imaging
Component #2:
A two day “hands-on” training workshop on the electron microscopes. The workshops are delivered in person using the established educational facilities and equipment at CEMAS. Along with a recommended foundation of topics, a selection of elective labs will be offered (listed below).
- Basic imaging
- Instrument alignment
- Advanced imaging detectors or EDS
- Electron backscatter diffraction
- Cathodoluminescence
- Large area imaging
- Metallographic analysis
- Semiconductor imaging
- In-situ/environmental SEM
- STEM in SEM
- Intro to FIB
- Sample preparation
- Variable pressure SEM/non-conductive imaging
- Advanced EDS
- Ultra-high resolution imaging
- Associated elective lecture
Program Learning Objectives
After completing both the lecture and laboratory components, participants will be able to:
- Describe the basic components of an SEM column
- Explain the differences between SEMs and other electron/x-ray imaging techniques
- Recognize the applications for which SEMs are most suitable
- Understand the types of signals generated within SEM chambers
- Relate the importance of proper preparation for different types of SEM samples
- Define and describe all relevant imaging terminology (resolution, pixel size, field width, etc)
- Relate the differences between information contained in images formed by various types of signals and detectors
- Understand how different microscope and acquisition settings affect image quality
- Demonstrate how to acquire different types of images
- Explain how different material types require different imaging strategies
- Understand the process of EDS data collection and analysis
- Describe the advantages and disadvantages between spot, line, and map collection schemes, and explain when each type is most appropriate
- Relate the importance of proper sample preparation for EDS analysis
- Explain the factors limiting accuracy and resolution of EDS results, especially quantification
- Demonstrate how to identify different elements present in a material
- Explain the different types of information obtainable through EBSD
- Relate the importance of proper sample preparation for EBSD analysis
- Explain the origins of Kikuchi patterns and the process of indexing them
- Describe the different types of ‘resolution’ in the context of EBSD
- Demonstrate the process of EBSD data acquisition and analysis
- Describe immersion lenses and explain their effects
- Define energy thresholding and demonstrate how to use it
- Define stage biasing and demonstrate how to use it
- Describe the benefits and limitations of variable pressure SEM operation
- Explain STEM imaging in SEMs, including its benefits/limitations
- Explain the TKD analysis process and its benefits/limitations
- Describe cathodoluminescence and what information it provides
Prerequisites
The workshop has open admission. While prior hands-on experience with SEMs and/or current employment in the field of SEM characterization will be beneficial, it is not a prerequisite. Experience with laboratory instrumentation such as spectrometers, vacuum systems or other imaging tools will be beneficial.
Health and Safety Protocols
All participants will be required to abide by the university's safe and healthy protocols. Contact the program administration for more information or if you have questions.
About the Center for Electron Microscopy Analysis
CEMAS is the preeminent materials characterization hub for business and academia. There are over 300 active users and $130 million dollars used for research per year. For more about CEMAS, click here.
“There's no better place on planet Earth to do microscopy than right here at CEMAS".
Don Kania, Former CEO of FEI Company
A special thanks to our course sponsors

COURSE REGISTRATION
Registration ends on April 21, 2023.
Click below to register;
PRICING
Course Fee:
$3,750 per person.
Early Bird Discount:
$3,250 per person if registered & paid by April 10, 2023.
Cancellations and Refunds
A full refund, minus a $75 administrative fee, will be made if cancellation is received three weeks prior to the start of the course.
No refunds will be issued within three weeks of the course start date.
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS

David McComb, PhD, is the Director of the Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis (CEMAS), an Ohio Research Scholar and Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at The Ohio State University. David is an expert in the development and application of electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) as a sub-nanometer scale probe for chemistry, structure, and bonding. He has developed and implemented approaches to studying inorganic, organic, and molecular systems using electron microscopy techniques.

Tyler Grassman, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Materials Science & Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering at The Ohio State University. Tyler is an expert in semiconductor epitaxy, defect engineering, and device development, as well as structural and optoelectronic characterization. His group has pioneered and refined the use of various advanced SEM and TEM-based microscopy and spectroscopy methods for quantitative and correlative analysis of defects in a range of semiconductor systems.

Daniel Veghte, PhD, is a Senior Research Associate at the Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis (CEMAS). In his role, he manages the scanning electron microscopes and works closely with users to characterize a broad range of materials. During his career, he has enjoyed pushing the limits of electron microscopy with an emphasis on performing in-situ experiments.

Elvin Beach has a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering, a M.S. in Materials Science & Engineering from Michigan Technological University, and a Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from The Ohio State University. Dr. Beach has worked extensively in applied failure analysis while working at The Dow Chemical Company, Battelle Memorial Institute, and Worthington Industries. Dr. Beach has extensive experience in metallographic sample preparation, optical microscopy, and electron microscopy techniques. Dr. Beach currently teaches undergraduate characterization lab courses, materials processing, and materials testing laboratories along with fracture, fatigue and failure analysis. Dr. Beach is the editor in chief of the Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention and an associate editor for Metallography, Microstructure, and Analysis.
John Sosa is the CEO and Co-Founder of MIPAR Software. He received his Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from The Ohio State University, while focussing on 2D and 3D microstructural characterization of titanium alloys.
Núria Bagués, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Materials Science Department at The Ohio State University. Núria currently instructs the graduate level SEM and TEM courses in the MSE department along with enabling instructors from across the college use microscopy in their courses. In her research Núria has used a variety of electron microscopy techniques to characterize the microstructure, interfaces, and defects in complex oxide epitaxial thin films and functional nanostructure.
MEET THE SPEAKERS

John Yorston has been doing scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDX) for almost thirty years, both in industry and in support of instrument sales and applications support. John is a veteran of countless SEM demonstrations and has conducted over 100 industrial new user short courses in SEM and microanalysis. John holds a BS in Chemistry from Fairleigh Dickinson University and has a background in Czockralski crystal growth of oxide and fluoride laser electro-optics and in ultra-high-pressure industrial diamond synthesis. John Yorston (Aka Fox Delta) is an accomplished and avid soaring pilot, and an active member of Aero Club Albatross based at Blairstown Airport, in New Jersey.
CONTACT
If you have questions regarding this course, please contact:
Professional & Distance Education Programs
Email: eng-profed@osu.edu
Call: 614-247-9581