New facility boosts research capacity in Western Sydney
The Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (SIMS) facility at University of Western Sydney was officially opened by The Hon. Jodi McKay MP, NSW Minister for Science and Medical Research in July this year.
The SIMS can provide chemical analysis of surfaces, and just below the surface, of a range of materials with a sensitivity of up to parts per billion. It has the potential to be used in a diverse range of research including alternative energy production, forensic science, silicon chip manufacturing, geology, environmental science and biological science.
Professor Janice Reid, UWS Vice-Chancellor, said the unique instrument is a key milestone in the University''''''''s strategy to invest in world-class research infrastructure.
"The new SIMS facility will enhance a number of research initiatives currently underway within the University of Western Sydney, including solar materials research," said Professor Reid.
"The unique facility will also bring new opportunities for research collaborations with colleagues from other institutions and from industry."
The SIMS fires a beam of particles called ions at the test material. When the beam of particles strikes the surface it dislodges atoms and molecules from the test material. The instrument analyses the dislodged particles, or secondary ions, to build a very accurate reading of the material''''''''s chemical composition.
For further details on the SIMS or to inquire about accessing the facility for research visit: http://www.uws.edu.au/health_science/chs/facilities2/sims
AINSE will still be supporting access to the SIMS Machine at UWS up until 2011 visit: http://www.ainse.edu.au/ainse/for_academic_researchers/ainse_awards.html for details.
