Real-Time Remote Control of a Scanning Electron Microscope Across the vBNS/Internet 2

To introduce engineering undergraduates to microstructural characterization in the scanning electron microscope, The Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MS&E) at The University of Michigan has developed the Teaching SEM. This instrument, based on a Philips XL30 SEM and located in the teaching laboratories, may be controlled from a lecture theater or classroom virtually anywhere on the University campus via a combination of the campus computing network and the campus cable television network. The use of the campus cable TV network is a limitation. Many areas of the University have Internet connections, but no cable connections. A number of local schools have expressed an interest in incorporating use of this system into their classes. The current work seeks to eliminate the cable TV network and send both the control and video signals over the Internet.