The Microscope and Graphic Imaging Center (MAGIC) at California State University, Hayward, has developed a model for interactive remote shared access to visual and analytic scientific instrumentation (IRSA/VASI). Using specialized software over the Internet, instruments such as electron microscopes can be shared throughout the world. Remote access to a centralized microscope provides investigators with specialized equipment that they might not be able to purchase and support on their own. For those who already have such instruments, it affords access to additional equipment and permits them to use their own resources in a wider context. Remote control of instrumentation is being researched and developed at national laboratories, supercomputing centers, and universities. Remote access and control was successfully demonstrated in 19921 and since that time, there have been other major achievements.

To demonstrate our model of interactive remote shared access to instrumentation, we have developed a system of software programs for remote control of a Philips XL-40 scanning electron microscope.