Released on May 2, 2002
Government funding is helping the University of Saskatchewan buy a powerfulmicroscope to examine structures 6,000 times smaller than the width of a
human hair.
The university will receive $160,000 from the government's Strategic
Investment Fund toward an X-ray photoelectron emission microscope (X-PEEM)
facility. X-PEEM will be installed at the Canadian Light Source (CLS)
synchrotron on the U of S campus, and will be one of only a handful of such
microscopes in the world to use synchrotron light to probe the
microstructure of materials.
"The X-PEEM project reinforces Saskatchewan's reputation in leading-edge
research," Industry and Resources Minister Eldon Lautermilch said. "By
examining the surfaces of materials, such as plastics and films, at their
most basic levels, this microscope will aid industrial research that will
have benefits far beyond our province."
U of S assistant chemistry professor Stephen Urquhart leads a group of 12
researchers from across Canada who are doing experiments on the X-PEEM.
Their research will have a wide range of potential applications such as
safer medical implants, better plastic materials, new sensors to detect
toxins, and longer-wearing engine oil additives.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
provided the bulk of funding through a $680,000 grant awarded in its 2001
equipment competition. Other funds for X-PEEM will come from the
university and the private sector.
"We're very excited about having this state-of-the-art $900,000 facility on
this campus," U of S Vice-President of Research Michael Corcoran said. "It
will be a tremendous advantage for our faculty and students in a multitude
of fields and will provide another world-class research opportunity on our
campus."
The provincial Strategic Investment Fund supports projects and
infrastructure that will lead to the development of innovative products,
processes and technologies with significant economic impact.
Currently set up at a Wisconsin synchrotron, the X-PEEM will be moved to
the CLS (www.cls.usask.ca) after the synchrotron starts operations in
early 2004.
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For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis Kathryn Warden
Industry & Resources University of Saskatchewan
Regina Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 787-1691 Phone: (306) 966-2506