TEM Laboratory – Access Policy

The following Access Policy is for NCSU students and faculty members who access AIF’s Transmission Electron Microscopy Laboratory, which includes facilities in Monteith Research Center (MRC) and Engineering Building 1 (EB1). Facility Hours are 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Access Levels

There are three different levels of access to the TEM Laboratory. Prior to applying for access at any level, all new users should have already submitted a valid Agreement in Mendix. Those applying for C-Access are encouraged to watch TEM experiments conducted by a group member who holds B or A- access before scheduling formal training with the laboratory manager.

Level Instrument Access Scheduling Access
C-Access (Beginner)
  • Instrument training
  • Supervised operation of the TEM
Must contact the Lab Manager
B-Access (Intermed.)
  • Independent operation of the TEM
  • Supervision of C-Access Users
Limited to Facility Hours
A-Access (Expert)
  • Independent operation of the TEM
  • Supervision of C-Access Users
Facility Hours + After Hours access

Access Requirements

In order to receive access at a given level, the User must complete the following.

Level Prerequisite Requirements
C-Access (Beginner)
  • Valid Agreement in Mendix
  • Contact a TEM Lab Manager
  • One-on-one training with the lab manager, or
  • Enrollment in a graduate level TEM lab course, or
  • Enrollment in an AIF-sponsored TEM workshop
B-Access (Intermed.)
  • 12 hours of supervised use + 12 hours of one-on-one training, or
  • 50 hours prior TEM experience + 3 hours of one-on-one training, or
  • Complete graduate level TEM course + 3 hours of one-on-one training
  • Proper handling of specimen holders
  • Establishment of High Tension and Current
  • Beam Alignment
  • Use of the Digital Camera
  • Use of the Anti-contamination Device
  • TEM Instrument Operation
A-Access (Expert)
  • 30 hours of experience at the B-Access level
  • TEM emergency shutdown procedures
  • Restart the TEM
  • Expert and safe TEM Instrument Operation
Staff and Steering Committee Access Policy Training Plan Laboratory Guidelines