Electron Microscopy Centre
The Electron Microscopy Centre helps researchers examine materials down to individual atoms.
We develop advanced electron microscopy techniques, including AI tools that help identify important features in samples. We can also observe how materials behave under realistic or extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, stress, electrical fields and different chemical environments.
Working with us
Led by Dr Alex Eggeman, the centre helps partners investigate materials at atomic scale.
Our experts provide advanced imaging, chemical analysis and experiments that recreate real operating conditions. This support helps researchers and industry understand how materials behave, solve practical problems and develop safer, more effective products and technologies faster.
We support applications in devices made by the National Graphene Institute, biomedical implants, next generation catalysts as well as metals, alloys and ceramics for the aerospace and nuclear industries.
The facility offers:
Atomic scale imaging
Elemental analysis
Advanced electron diffraction
In-situ studies
3D analysis
Sample preparation
Comprehensive data analysis
28 microscopes enabling the study of any material
In-situ analysis under real-world operating conditions
Atomic-level analysis of internal structure and chemistry
200+ centre users supporting £70M+ of research
Our equipment
Thermo-Fisher 'Iliad' AC-Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope
A flagship analytical STEM with high-stability aberration corrector for atomic resolution imaging, Large solid angle energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer and multichannel electron energy loss spectroscopy capabilities.
'Tanist' laboratory
In-situ thermomechanical analysis of materials achieved through a collaborative development between Tescan (SEM) and Newtec (in-situ capabilities). With laser- plasma-FIB capability for large volume material analysis
Tescan Amber2 Focussed-ion beam microscope
State-of-the-art electron imaging and gallium ion milling capabilities combined with AI-driven automated sample preparation and integrated gentle ion polishing system for advanced sample preparation.
Our impact
Electron microscopes can provide the answers to a range of real world challenges, If you need to know what the atoms in a material are doing, this lab may be the way to study it. Examples include:
