Breakerspace Instrument Tutorial Template

Overview:

Matches info/image for instrument on lab page, brief description of what it does/how it works/what materials it’s used for

Index:

• Standard operating protocol - (startup, operation, shutdown)
• Materials and sample prep
• Detailed operating instructions
• Data processing and analysis
• Common failure modes
• Manufacturer manuals
• Links
• Exercises

Standard operating protocol:

Instrument startup:

• sequence of powering on, logging in, starting softare, homing/tilt position etc.
• these steps should only need to be completed once per session
• no images on page in this section, just text bullets, text can link to image if needed

Operation:

• steps to characterize - sample loading, data capture and saving, etc. - whatever might be repeated, characterization sequence
• for instruments like SEM with multiple, independent characterization techniques (eg. EDS, imaging), make technique a top-level bullet and indent for steps
  • this is tabbed in to be a sub-set of the above bullet

Instrument shut down:

• sequence to close/log off/power down as needed - whatever is done once at the conclusion of a session
• highlight important steps in bold (ie. make sure UV-Vis lamp is OFF)
• these steps should need to be performed once at the end of a characterization session

Compatible materials and sample prep:

• compatible materials
• incompatible materials
• safety/handling related info
• images/videos inline as needed

Sample Prep may be own sub-section:

• sample prep
  • break into sub-sections as relevant,
  • ie. solid vs. powder vs. liquid

Detailed operating instructions:

• include sample loading/unloading
• as needed explanations of each step, eg. collecting background, sample loading, etc.
• software features
• images/videos inline as needed

Data processing and analysis:

• what softare we recommend
• typical steps
• fill in with more detail as time allows, and/or add standalone data processing tutorials
• images/videos inline as needed

Common failure modes:

• these are where people frequently get stuck
• example may include starting DSX software before microscope powered up
• images/videos inline as needed

Manufacturer’s manuals:

• Links to manual files in dropbox

Links:

• list of links, ie. good video tutorials, some student project, anything relevant

Exercises:

• intro for anyone - eg honey bee on optical
• beginner exercise for course 3 subjects - identify and measure types of grain in metal sample,
• advanced exercise - deconvolution of compound sample from spectrometer, etc.