Frequently Asked Questions
What is CMSC?
The University of Toledo Center for Materials and Sensor Characterization or CMSC is a user facility located in the College of Engineering for the structural, thermal and chemical characterization of materials. The laboratory is being established with the goals of providing and maintaining state-of-the-art instruments for use by the university research community and other non-profit and industrial users.
Where is CMSC?
CMSC is located in College of Engineering in the Main Campus. NE 1496 North Engineering Building 1700 N. Westwood Ave Toledo, OH 43606-3390 Phone: 419.530.6080
What is available in CMSC?
Information on the instruments available in CMSC are listed here. If you are looking for a description of the current instruments in the facility that you wish to include in a proposal or to send to prospective new faculty, please contact Joseph Lawrence.
I need to use CMSC, what do I do?
- Find out as much as possible about your samples.
- Figure out exactly what you want to know.
- Decide which instrument will give you the answers you are looking for.
- Find out how to prepare your samples from your colleagues or the scientific literature.
- Prepare your samples.
- Get a copy of the User Authorization Form from the forms webpage.
- Complete the "Authorized Users Information" section of the form. Signing the form means that you certify that you have read the pertinent safety procedures for the equipment.
- Indicate which instruments you wish to use by checking the "Instruments Authorized" check boxes.
- Email Joseph Lawrence to request training on the CMSC instrument of your choice. Also mention any prior experience you may have had.
- Read the instrument handbook before you come to training. Bring your copy with you to make notes on.
How do I know which Instrument to use?
If you email Joseph Lawrence with what exactly you want to know from your samples, then we can help you choose the appropriate instrument. You can also peruse the instrument information on this website.
How much will it cost?
All of the instrument usage fees are listed in charge policy page. How much your particular research problem will cost depends on your experience and on what you are trying to do.
I am not from The University of Toledo. Can I still use CMSC?
Yes, we welcome users from other universities and industries. Contact Joseph Lawrence for further information. You will need to complete an application and authorization agreement to use the facility.
Do I have to acknowledge CMSC in my publications?
Yes, this is important. Publications citing CMSC use are essential when a proposal is being prepared for a replacement instrument, when the current equipment begins to wear out or become obsolete. A reprint of any publication that contains data recorded in CMSC should be supplied to Joseph Lawrence.
Can I book as much time as I want on the microscopes?
NO, regular daytime access is limited to ONE 4-hour slot per user per day for each instrument. Currently, the facility will operate from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
Need more information?
Got any questions? Email Joseph Lawrence (Director)