Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis Unit
High-magnification imaging and analysis of natural and manufactured materials
The Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis Unit (EMMU) provides facilities and support in advanced materials characterisation to students and researchers.
The unit has instruments for high-magnification imaging and analysis of the chemical and physical structure of natural and manufactured materials.
Our facilities support many research groups and provide training and consultancy opportunities for academic and industrial collaborators in the areas of:
- Biological Sciences
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Mechanical Engineering
- Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences
Equipment
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
We have five scanning electron microscopes (SEM) equipped with a wide-range of detector types for analysis of a wide-range of materials under high- and low-vacuum conditions. These include systems with field-emission gun, LaB6 and tungsten electron sources, and detector systems for secondary electron (SE), backscattered electron (BSE), cathodoluminescence (CL), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS) spectroscopy and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The instruments are supported by dedicated sample preparation and coating equipment.
Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)
We specialize in micro- to nano-scale structural analysis of natural and manufactured materials by EBSD, using an Oxford Instruments Nordlys Nano detector and Aztec software.
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
Our TEM is a JEOL 1400 capable of operating at 120kV acceleration voltage, with a goniometer stage and a base-mounted AMT digital camera. Sectioning for the TEM uses the super sharpness of glass knives (Leica KMR3 glass knife maker) operating on a Leica Ultracut 7 ultratome.
Laser-ablation inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)
The Mass Spectrometry and Laser Ablation Laboratory hosts state-of-the-art equipment to measure trace elements and isotope ratios in a wide range of natural and industrial materials. Our Analytik Jena Plasma Quant MS Elite ICP-MS combines the rapid scanning of a quadrupole mass spectrometer with industry-leading sensitivity for trace element and isotopic analysis. Our Nu Plasma MC-ICP-MS is used to make high-precision isotope ratio measurements with an upgraded sensitivity to support better laser ablation analyses.
ASI RESOlution SE laser ablation system
193nm excimer laser ablation system for in-situ sampling of solid materials. The system offers controlled ablation of a wide-range of materials at spot sizes ranging from 2 to 100 um at energy densities up to >20 J/cm2. The laser can be coupled to the PQ Elite and/or Nu Plasma MC-ICP-MS mass spectrometers.
High performance light microscopy
We have a range of light microscopes that can be used in support of Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis Unit activities. These include stereo, transmitted polarizing light and reflected light microscopes.
View our equipment
Take a closer look at some of the equipment in the unit by clicking on the images below.
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An example of the sample holders that are available for SEM analysis.
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An example of a high-performance motorized stage that allows for efficient correlative microscopy and a wide range of analyses.
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One of our five SEMs offering high resolution imaging and microanalysis capabilities.
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One of our Zeiss EVO 10MA SEMs, optimised for micro- to nano-scale chemical and structural analyses
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Our two-volume sample cell allows for high-performance measurements over very large areas.
Read lessWhere to find us
Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis Unit
Burnaby Building,Burnaby Road,
Portsmouth,
PO1 3QL
For more information, please contact Dr James Darling, Director of the Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis Unit