The Tenderer is requested to submit a tender for a fully operational variable-vacuum, table-top SEM system for imaging and analysis of conductive and non-conductive material.
The instrument will mainly be used for imaging and elemental analyses (spot and maps) of small to medium sized samples as minerals (mm-sized), thin-sections (mainly 28 mm x 48 mm), 25 mm diameter epoxy mounts and archaeological artefacts (cm-sized). See Annex 1 (Examples of typical sample types).
It may also be used for other materials where potential applications comprise a variety of sample types, ranging from metal compounds or single crystals, to organic samples such as peat or clay minerals as loose grains or powders. Teaching and research not only demands qualitative determination of major elements and characterization of a wide range of unknown samples but also requires quantitative analysis by high-end detection techniques with state-of-the-art resolution and sensitivity of the spectrometer.
The quantification of the results must be possible not only by so called standardless methods, but also by empirical, comparative calibration, utilizing certified reference materials (CRM) such as natural minerals, metals or oxides. User selection and control of methods for matrix correction and quantification is necessary. Availability of support for calibration, such as software and/or suitable sample sets is required.
The main elements of interest in are the major elements Si, Ti, Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, Mn, Na, K, P and S, within a concentration range of roughly 0.1– 75 % by weight, expressed as oxides. In addition to these, important trace elements are present in levels ranging from 1 to 3000 ppm; e.g. Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu Hf, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Ba, La, Ce, U, Pb and Th.
The instrument shall be installed in the Geohouse building by the Tenderer at Akademigatan 1, FI-20500 Turku, within the joint laboratories of the two geological departments of Åbo Akademi University and the University of Turku, and the Department of Archaeology of the University of Turku (https://geohouse.fi/). For transport within the building, the physical size is limited to less than 85 x 170 x 195 cm (W x D x H) and a weight below 680 kg. The spatial footprint of the apparatus itself should not exceed about 1 m2 space and in operation the instrument will be placed on a standard laboratory desk. Apart from placement of e.g. pumps on the floor, no additional space is available. Easy mobility for service access is required. The power requirement must conform to 230 V, 16A. The ambient temperature is controlled by normal laboratory ventilation to ca. 23°C; no additional cooling system (air or liquid) will be available. An oil-free vacuum pump system is required. Excluding minor maintenance breaks, the SEM should be measurement ready continuously, throughout the year.