Commander & Director, U.S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Corps of Engineers, 3909 Halls Ferry Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199

66 -- ENVIRONMENTAL SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE POC POC: Sally Kleinman, 601-634-3902 The USAE Waterways Experiment Station (WES) proposes to award a contract to Electroscan, Plano, TX, under authority 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) for the purchase of a complete low pressure scanning electron microscope. The system must be capable of collecting and processing images and X-ray data on non-conductive cement, aggregate, and concrete samples. The system must be able to collect data and images on these materials with 20 nm resolution, without charging artifacts at accelerating voltages up to 30 KeV in the presence of controlled gas pressures up to 20 Torr (in 0.1 Torr increments), and without the use of conductive coatings or causing desiccation of the sample. The system must also have the capability to run in high vacuum mode. The system must be capable of signal collection in the low pressure mode from both secondary and backscattered electron detectors while the samples are subjected to the effects of temperature, various liquids, and gases. The system will provide the capability to introduce various liquids and gases into the specimen chamber during experimental operation. The system must have an ion pumped lanthanum hexaboride source. It will be internally or externally adjustable. The gun to anode spacing must be externally adjustable. The system must have a secondary electron detector, but must be able to interface with a backscattered detector (which is not included). The system must be able to interface with a light element EDS system (not included). The system must have an optical viewport, and an internal means of illuminating the sample inside the specimen chamber. The system must provide specimen temperature control from -15 to 400~C, and temperature readout must be displayed on the SEM imaging monitor. The system will include an accessory rack, a water chiller, peltier device, and water bath to cool the peltier device. The system will have a 5 axis motorized stage, and memory to save 15 stage positions. The system will have separate operator and electron column consoles. The system will provide vibration isolation for the electron column to withstand up to 10 microinches vibration in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The system will include the SEM, image archiving software, and 17 inch color monitor. There will be another IBM compatible computer and accompanying 17 inch color monitor, and 1 GB hard drive for image archiving. The system will provide a Polaroid camera, and an HP Laserjet 4P printer. Electroscan is the owner of the only patent in the world for this sophisticated method of obtaining low pressure, high resolution images, thus, is the only source capable of providing the needed system. Any inquiries must be received within fifteen days from date of publication of this notice. Synopsis published for information purposes only. Solicitation documents are not available. (0136)

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