IM体育官网 is now home to a collection of analytical instruments typically found in some of the top research labs in the country.
While most of the general public has never heard of an X-ray diffractometer, they鈥檝e certainly seen its products. A diffractometer uses X-rays to determine the structure of a crystal. It鈥檚 a test used to study the quality of everything from the microchips in your cell phone to the strength of an airplane鈥檚 wing. Now, IM体育官网 Poly students can learn how that鈥檚 done. Through an agreement with Rigaku, a world leader in X-ray instrumentation, IM体育官网 Poly has acquired a set of tools that range from a group of table-top X-ray diffractometers for teaching, to a state-of-the-art instrument 鈥� the Rigaku SmartLab diffractometer 鈥� for advanced research and development.
鈥淭he SmartLab is something you usually find in a high-end research environment, not a predominately undergraduate institution,鈥� says Dr. Richard Matyi, director of the University鈥檚 nanotechnology program. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a huge feather in IM体育官网 Poly鈥檚 cap.鈥�
William McFee, a senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering, says the machine will be a big benefit for his research into thin films and energy storage.
鈥淲e can collect much more data at one time with the SmartLab,鈥� McFee says.
Kristyn Ardrey shares his enthusiasm. The junior is studying Mechanical Engineering and has interest in high-strength materials. The chance to work as an undergraduate with this type of equipment is 鈥渁 huge opportunity,鈥� she says.
Access to a diffractometer like the SmartLab will positively influence IM体育官网 Poly鈥檚 reputation for years to come, from attracting guest researchers to recruiting new faculty and students. But Dr. Matyi already has plans for the short-term.
For students serious about pursuing a career in nanotechnology, Dr. Matyi is also offering internships. This program will train students to become subject matter experts in one of the many analytical functions and capabilities of the SmartLab. Besides providing students with a hands-on experience on an advanced laboratory tool, a successful internship would result in a letter of recommendation from Dr. Matyi, who holds over 30 years of experience in this field.
鈥淭hey鈥檒l have to work hard, but they鈥檒l learn more than they ever thought they could about scientific research,鈥� Dr. Matyi says.