Analysis
Scanning Probe Microscopy
Digital Instruments Nanoscope IIIA
This microscope is used by a variety of departments for the study of thin films, the characterization of membranes and for studies of proteins. It is a multi-functional instrument that will perform specimen imaging and analysis by a number of different methods. For example:
- Atomic Force Microscopy
- Magnetic Force Microscopy
- Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy
- Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy
- Electrochemical Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy
- Lateral Force Microscopy
- Force Spectroscopy
- Fluid Cell AFM
X-Ray Analysis (EDX) & Optical Spectroscopy
A variety of analytical and spectroscopic instruments are housed within MAS, some of which are attached to an electron microscope or optical microscope while others are standalone instruments.
Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX)
A method used for determining the elemental composition of a material from an area as small as 50nm3. An EDX instrument is attached to each of the electron microscopes in MAS. The SEM 6480LV is equipped with a high speed, high sensitivity Oxford INCA X-Act SDD X-ray detector.
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
A Perkin Elmer Frontier FTIR instrument is available to MAS users and is equipped with the following: A diamond ATR head , a DRIFT attachment for powders, a gas cell, a transmission cell and an improved resolution MCT detector. The Frontier FTIR is a bench top instrument used to analyse samples such as hydrocarbons, oils and pharmaceutical samples. It can also be used for the determination of surface functional groups on a sample.
Raman Spectroscopy
Raman spectroscopy is carried out on a Renishaw inVia system with a full spectrum of laser sources. The chemical composition and the molecular structure of a sample may be determined or stress measurements and phase imaging performed. The instrument operates with a high through put, non-destructive technique and although lower in imaging resolution than an electron microscope offers a more dynamic method for investigating the chemical properties of materials ranging from biological cells to semiconductor devices.
