Mr Chris Bassell

Background Chris completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Physics prior to completing a Bachelor of Electronic Engineering in Microelectronic Engineering at the UniSA in 2006.

During a two-year period in Canada, commencing in 2003, Chris obtained work experience as a R&D engineer at OCI Vacuum Microengineering Inc. Duties involved research and development of electron guns, ion guns and control electronics.

Upon completion of work experience, Chris joined the surface analysis centre, Surface Science Western at the University of Western Ontario. At Surface Science Western he was a Research Assistant involved with the design and development of a non-destructive, in-situ, hydrogen plasma gun mounted to the treatment chamber of a Kratos Axis Ultra XPS. This position involved XPS operation and interpretation of XPS data in relation to the cleaning effects of hydrogen plasma on various sample types.

In early 2006, Chris commenced his initial position as a Surface Characterisation Technologist within The Ian Wark Research Institute. The responsibilities of this position specifically revolved around management and fulfilment of operation, training, AS ISO calibration, and maintenance of the institutes KRATOS AXIS ULTRA XPS and SPECS SAGE XPS. Being emersed a research environment Chris was exposed to a vast range of physical and chemical sample types. The main sample focuses for the Ian Wark Research Institute were mineral processing, antibacterial coatings for medical implants, and conductive polymers.  

In 2010 The Ian Wark Research Institute, the Mawson Institute and the Centre for Environmental Remediation and Research (CERAR) formed the Future Industries Institute (FII). Chris continued to provide research instrumentation support for the FII in the scope of XPS analysis and XPS instrumentation support. Within FII Chris increased his instrumentation responsibilities to encompass UniSA’s Panalytical EMPYREAN XRD, and Niton XRF. Additional experience, in a temporary capacity, was gained with the instruments SEM and XCT. The sample type scope previously worked with, alongside his previous instrumentation experience, allowed Chris quick and proficient accomplishments with these instruments.

The above-mentioned instruments require various degrees of vacuum support. From High Vacuum (HV) to Ultra High Vacuum (UHV). Chris has become an expert of the systems involved and can competently diagnose and correct problems within these vacuum systems.

Another aspect of Chris’ position within both the Ian Wark Research Institute and FII is short term industry consultation. Chris provides support through the whole process. That being; initial point of contact, client meetings to discuss needs, wants, samples, instrumentation suggestions, realistic client expectations and quoting. This is followed by correct sample preparation, sample analysis, data processing and final reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Applied Science University of South Australia

• Bachelor of Engineering University of South Australia

Work history

Background Chris completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Physics prior to completing a Bachelor of Electronic Engineering in Microelectronic Engineering at the UniSA in 2006.

During a two-year period in Canada, commencing in 2003, Chris obtained work experience as a R&D engineer at OCI Vacuum Microengineering Inc. Duties involved research and development of electron guns, ion guns and control electronics.

Upon completion of work experience, Chris joined the surface analysis centre, Surface Science Western at the University of Western Ontario. At Surface Science Western he was a Research Assistant involved with the design and development of a non-destructive, in-situ, hydrogen plasma gun mounted to the treatment chamber of a Kratos Axis Ultra XPS. This position involved XPS operation and interpretation of XPS data in relation to the cleaning effects of hydrogen plasma on various sample types.

In early 2006, Chris commenced his initial position as a Surface Characterisation Technologist within The Ian Wark Research Institute. The responsibilities of this position specifically revolved around management and fulfilment of operation, training, AS ISO calibration, and maintenance of the institutes KRATOS AXIS ULTRA XPS and SPECS SAGE XPS. Being emersed a research environment Chris was exposed to a vast range of physical and chemical sample types. The main sample focuses for the Ian Wark Research Institute were mineral processing, antibacterial coatings for medical implants, and conductive polymers.  

In 2010 The Ian Wark Research Institute, the Mawson Institute and the Centre for Environmental Remediation and Research (CERAR) formed the Future Industries Institute (FII). Chris continued to provide research instrumentation support for the FII in the scope of XPS analysis and XPS instrumentation support. Within FII Chris increased his instrumentation responsibilities to encompass UniSA’s Panalytical EMPYREAN XRD, and Niton XRF. Additional experience, in a temporary capacity, was gained with the instruments SEM and XCT. The sample type scope previously worked with, alongside his previous instrumentation experience, allowed Chris quick and proficient accomplishments with these instruments.

The above-mentioned instruments require various degrees of vacuum support. From High Vacuum (HV) to Ultra High Vacuum (UHV). Chris has become an expert of the systems involved and can competently diagnose and correct problems within these vacuum systems.

Another aspect of Chris’ position within both the Ian Wark Research Institute and FII is short term industry consultation. Chris provides support through the whole process. That being; initial point of contact, client meetings to discuss needs, wants, samples, instrumentation suggestions, realistic client expectations and quoting. This is followed by correct sample preparation, sample analysis, data processing and final reporting.