Oundle School
The Scanning Electron Microscope
The School recently acquired an electron microscope thanks to the generous donation of an O.O. The electron microscope is a Topcon SM 200 and unlike the electron microscopes most of the science staff remember from their teaching days, it is easy to operate. All adjustments are made using computer software and it does not take much instruction to become a skilled operator. The microscope has been used by most year groups and the ease with which excellent images have been produced provides evidence for the simplicity of the control system. Many excellent images have been taken which have then been enhanced using Photoshop.
To increase the versatility of the instrument we have purchased an X-ray spectrometer attachment manufactured by Princeton Gamma Technology. This enables us to identify the relative proportions of the various elements that make up a specimen. This is an expensive accessory and it was only possible to acquire it thanks to generous donations to the appeal. We will use the enhanced qualitative capabilities of the microscope for collaborative projects. One of these involves investigating the stonework in Oundle buildings to try and establish why there is significant erosion at a height of about 12 cm above the ground.