An Interview with Chris Wetteland
The Phenom ProX scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a student-friendly microscope in high demand in the Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) department at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. The Phenom SEM is in the undergraduate laboratory for an open-ended course. The first 3 weeks are structured for students to learn sample preparation and instrument training. The remaining weeks are open for students to devise projects. Students often strive to include the Phenom SEM as it is well-suited to investigate the structure-processing-properties materials science triangle.
The Phenom SEM was selected in a competitive on-site demonstration. Students and faculty chose the Phenom thanks to high-quality images and superior data output. The Phenom SEM is now a “powerful recruiting tool” for the department. Because the SEM is user-friendly, students are quickly trained to use the system independently. MSE students are encouraged to do undergraduate research projects and usually include the Phenom SEM in their work.
“It’s like giving them the keys to the car”explains Chris Wetteland who teaches the MSE lab course. “The Phenom gives students the ability to work independently in the lab.”
例如，看到钢的珠光体结构与自己的双手驾驶SEM比教室里的图像更多的冲击。这种影响导致有兴趣学习和创造自己的研究项目的学生。
学生可以通过Phenom Sem在材料科学中追求他们的好奇心。最近的一个用于元素分析的EDS。在使用3D打印机的项目中，制造商声称在灯丝中添加不锈钢。在Phenom Prox上使用EDS，学生确认这是真的。EDS也被用于研究项目以确定钢中富含碳的相，并鉴定铝 - 碳系统中的沉淀物。
A popular feature on the Phenom SEM is 3D Roughness Reconstruction. Students quickly evaluate the effect of processing on etched samples looking at surface roughness.
“The Phenom SEM has been the biggest addition to the lab”states Chris Wetteland. “Students benefit in terms of career development,” using an instrument for imaging and analysis that is relevant to future job positions.
