Scanning Electron Microscopy for Materials Science via the Internet

Project Title

Scanning Electron Microscopy for Materials Science via the Internet

Project Leader

Prof Ning Wang & Prof K K Fung

School / Dept

SSCI / PHYS

Project Duration

Feb 2004 - Dec 2004

Project Description

In this project, an interactive interface was developed which enhanced the teaching and learning of electron microscopy in material science.  Using the online SEM, instructors could demonstrate using the microscope in real time via an Internet connection in a classroom.  Students could perform experiments with the instrument through the same channel after class too.  This led to improvements in their learning efficiency.  Since the operation of an SEM required considerable resources, an interactive virtual SEM was a useful substitute.  SEM images and spectra was collected in this project to build a database for demonstrations in material science classes using the virtual SEM.

Project Outcome

• Collected all necessary data such as available software/ program and the codes/ function that  controls the SEM through the internet

• Used Flash communication server to control the SEM video transmission and SEM workstation control system

• Data and video capture devices are operated separately by two PCs

• Created RS232 PC/ SEM interface to control the SEM

• Developed the web-based interactive interface for the online SEM

• The internet SEM has been placed in the E-Class website (http://jsp.phys.ust.hk/jsp/index.jsp) for a PG course of PHYS 582

• Fine-tune Flash communication server to control the SEM video transmission and SEM workstation control system

• Fine-tune the web-based interactive interface for the online control SEM

• Incorporation of all functions of the online SEM into the existing course website Phys250-E-Class System

• Relocation of the SEM from 4/F to 2/F and reinstall and setup the online SEM.

• Test and use the SEM via the internet for a UG course Phys250 fall semester 2004 as class demonstration and experiment.

• Development of interactive interface for online experiment;

• Development of new http version of the online SEM

• Development of a stand-alone version of the SEM version

• Finalize the software

Status

Completed

Project Documents
(Only accessible by HKUST users)

• Project Plan
• Final Report

Adaptation

Full Project