New Materials Question

[Michael Hren]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am a graduate student in the Dept. of Geological & Environmental 
Sciences and am looking to become a laboratory user.  I am working on 
the effect of microbial biofilms on the chemical dissolution and 
alteration of mineral surfaces.  As such, I am interested in using the 
Zygo White Light profilometer to examine mineral surfaces.  I have 
contacted Mary Tang and Uli Thumser and was directed to contact the 
committee to obtain approval to bring the materials I am using into the 
facility.  Specifically, what I am looking to use on the Zygo 
profilometer is the following:

First option:

1) the mineral apatite.  The chemical formula for this mineral is 
Ca5(PO4)3F.  This is in solid form, does not crumble or break apart 
easily, and will be present in pieces the size of a dime.

Second Option:

2) the mineral apatite embedded in an 1 cm round, 4 mm thick, diamond 
polished hardened epoxy disc  The epoxy is comprised only of C, O, H, 
and N.  Specifically, it is made by Struers, and is identified as the 
EPOES Epoxy Resin and EPOAR hardener.  (Additionally, if allowable, 
this type of sample may be coated with a thin carbon coating (<1 
micron).

If there is someone specific with whom I can discuss the details of 
this proposed work I would be happy to further explain this study and 
the planned materials.  Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Michael Hren


Michael T. Hren
Dept. of Geological & Environmental Sciences	
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305
(650)725-8704