Processing and Sample Storage Facilities

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Genesis Processing and Sample Storage Facilities

The facility for storing and examining Genesis solar wind samples consists of two adjacent laboratories, both ISO Class 4 cleanrooms. One cleanroom is equipped with ultrapure water for experimental cleaning of containers and tools used in handling the solar wind samples. The ultrapure water is also used for cleaning the solar windsamples. The other cleanroom is for long-term storage of samples and for examination and processing of samples.

Experimental ultrapure water cleaning laboratory

Experimental ultrapure water cleaning laboratory

Sample storage and examination laboratory

Sample storage and examination laboratory

UPW/Megasonic cleaning for containers and tools

UPW/Megasonic cleaning for containers and tools

Tool and Container Cleaning

Ultrapure water (UPW) is generated, at 8 gallons per minute, for all curation labs at JSC. The high resistivity water (>18MΩ) is a result of having ion concentrations in the low parts per trillion, thus, the UPW is a reactive cleaning solvent used for cleaning Genesis sample containers and tools.

Sample Cleaning

Genesis wafer spin cleaner

Genesis wafer spin cleaner (Laurell, 3000 RPM spinner)

Upon request by a researcher, we clean Genesis sample fragments by applying megasonically energized ultrapure water using a wafer spin cleaner to remove surface particles [1]. UV ozone can be used to reduce molecular film, as needed [2].

Storage and Examination of Samples

Genesis solar wind samples are stored inside of stainless steel cabinets under pure, dry nitrogen for preservation. One half of the laboratory is equipped with instruments to characterize the sample fragments. Workers in the laboratory must wear full-coverage cleanroom suits.

FTIR Spectrometer and Stereo microscope used for sample characterization

FTIR Spectrometer and Stereomicroscope used for sample characterization

Digimatic Indicator, Automated Microscope and Spectroscopic Ellipsometer used for sample characterization

Digimatic Indicator, Automated Microscope and Spectroscopic Ellipsometer used for sample characterization

Stainless steel, nitrogen-purged storage cabinets for Genesis samples

Stainless steel, nitrogen-purged storage cabinets for Genesis samples

References:

  1. [1] Calaway M.J. et al. (2009), LPSC 40th, Abst. #1183.
  2. [2] Calaway M.J. et al. (2007), LPSC 38th, Abst.#1627.