1. What software do I need to be able to view the WebSEM?

The WebSEM uses a Java language interface for control of themicroscope. The requirements for PC and Mac users differs greatly. For the PC, the WebSEM requires the use of Netscape version 4.5 or later. For the Macintosh OS 8.6-9.2, the WebSEM requires the use of Microsoft Internet Explorer. For Macintosh OS X, the WebSEM requires Safari. Also the Macintosh must have the latest version of Apple MRJ (Mac Runtime for Java).
These can be downloaded here.

2. What type of sample can I view in the WebSEM?

The WebSEM can be used to view almost any type of sample - animal, vegetable or mineral! It just has to be dry (we can't view wet glue for example) and relatively small - about a 1 inch cube is the maximum size we can handle.

3. What do I see when I view an image?

The WebSEM only images the surface of a sample, it does not let you see through a sample. For example, we can not view small bacteria placed on a slide and covered with a cover glass. In that instance all we would see would be the surface of the cover glass. However, if the bacteria were dried and placed on top of a slide we could see them. We could still not see any internal organs, we would only see the surface.

4. Can I see cells?

Yes and no. It depends what you want to see. When looking at a leaf it is easy to see the cellular structure of the leaf but you can't see inside the leaf to the nucleus and things like that. However, it is possible to dry the leaf and peel back the surface to reveal the cellular structure inside. This requires special sample preparation techniques that require some time to perform.

5. What does it cost to use the WebSEM?

For you - nothing. All you need is to connect to our website. If you have scheduled a lesson and received the proper password the first computer to connect will be running the microscope.

Maintenance of the WebSEM is done by personnel of the Materials Science and Engineering Department of Iowa State University. It costs us about $35 / hour to run the WebSEM.

6. What did it cost to purchase the WebSEM?

The equipment you will be running retails for about $150,000.00.

7. How many people can view the WebSEM at any one time?

The server accepts up to eight connections. The first computer to log in using the proper password is the active user, the others are listeners.

8. What type of sample work best?

Small ones, the smaller the better! The WebSEM is best at giving you a high magnification, high resolution images of 3-dimensional objects that may be hard to see using an optical microscope. Bugs, skin, grass, styrofoam, small crystals all work well.

9. What information do I get from the WebSEM?

The main information is the high magnification image of the surface of the sample. Additional information is the chemical constituents in the sample using the x-ray feature of the WebSEM.

10. How fast do I get an image to my computer?

There is a 3-6 second time delay between executing a command and receiving a new image. Factors such as type of connection and picture mode contribute to the actual speed.

11. Do I need any special training to use the WebSEM?

You should download all the info contained under the instructions. We suggest before you try any lesson you schedule a training run to operate the WebSEM on your own. We can set this up so that you are in telephone contact with us as you operate the WebSEM. Together we will work throug the basic controls until you feel comfortable with the web interface.