Surface Analysis and Imaging

We have a huge range of optical microscopes, electron microscopes and surface techniques for your company to access. They are all useful tools in the fields of

• 

  An AFM image of stainless steel electropolished using Ionic Liquids

  failure analysis
• quality control
• materials science

Optical Microscopes

• Advanced Optical Microscopes
• Fully Digital Microscope

Electron Microscopes

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (with Environmental Chamber) (ESEM)
• Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEGSEM)
• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

Greater resolution and magnification can be achieved by electron microscopy compared to optical microscopy as they utilise a beam of electrons instead of visible light to image the sample.

An AFM image of a corrosion pit of less than 5 µm in diameter in stainless steel

Surface Topography

• Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM)
• Digital Holographic Microscopy (DHM)

Specialist Techniques

• Focused ion beam milling
• X-Ray Micro Computerised Tomography (CT)

There are always advisors available at lanser@le.ac.uk to help you decide which technique is right for you.