K-ALFAA
The Kuiper-Arizona Laboratory for Astromaterials Analysis is housed in Kuiper Space Sciences Building.
Located approximately 30 feet below ground and slab-on-grade, the facility was founded in 2016, motivated by the need for world-class instrumentation in support of research on planetary materials including analysis of samples returned by the UA-led OSIRIS-REx Mission. Analyzing samples at scales accessible to these techniques can be vital to research across physical sciences and engineering. The facility is open to the entire UA community, as well as to regional private- and public-sector users.
Scanning Electron Microscope
The scanning electron microscope (SEM) suite currently includes two microscopes with room for a third instrument.
Focused-Ion-Beam Scanning Electron Microscope
The focused-ion-beam scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM) lab houses an FEI Helios NanoLab 660.
Transmission Electron Microscope
The transmission electron microscope (TEM) lab features a Hitachi HF5000 instrument.
Electron Microprobe
The electron microprobe (EPMA) lab features Cameca SX-50 and Cameca SX-100 Ultra instruments.
Renishaw Reflex Raman (Optical)
The Renishaw InVia is confocal Raman microscope with an automated stage.
Nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (NanoSIMS-HR)
The NanoSIMS-HR is optimized for advancing studies of astromaterials. The instrument is capable of isotopic imaging, spot analysis and depth profiling.