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The Imaging and Analysis Center (IAC) implements high-end, state-of-the-art instrumentation for imaging and analysis to stimulate materials research and education at Princeton . The Center is open to all students and researchers from Princeton and elsewhere (for instrument charge rates, click here).

Major instruments include:

These instruments provide high-resolution, energy-filtering and low-temperature TEM, nano-diffraction EM, nano-X-ray chemical analysis, low-voltage SEM, and in situ mechanical testing capabilities. It also has microchemical and microstructural analysis capabilities, computer simulation (molecular dynamics and image processing), and materials preparation.

Philips CM200 FEG-TEM
Philips CM200 FEG-TEM equipped with a Gatan 678 Imaging Filter and a PGT-IMIX EDX system. With a field-emission-gun, this microscope provides a point-to-point resolution of 0.2nm, and an electron probe of 0.7nm with an energy up to 200KeV. 

CM100 TEM
This is a 100KeV electron microscope equipped with a digitally controlled eucentric 4-axis motorized side entry stage, which provides a maximum tilting angle of 60 degrees. 

FEI XL30 FEG-SEM
FEI XL30 FEG-SEM equipped with a PGT-IMIX PTS EDX system. This high-resolution field-emission SEM has an optimum image resolution of 2nm and is accessed completely using a computer terminal. The EDX system can provide X-ray acquisition to obtain high-resolution two-dimensional elemental distribution map throughout  the sample surface. 

FEI Quanta 200 FEG Environmental-SEM
The Quanta 200 FEG ESEM is a special type of high performance scanning electron microscope (SEM). It is equipped with a Schottky field emission gun (FEG) for optimal spatial resolution. The instrument can be used in high vacuum mode (HV), low-vacuum mode (LV) and the so called ESEM (Environmental SEM) mode. This makes it possible to study samples in pressures up to 30 Torr. The microscope is equipped with a peltier stage for studies of wet samples in-situ. There are cooling and heating stages available for in-situ experiments at temperatures ranging from -20°C up to 1500°C. This can be done in combination with having an external gas present in the chamber, e.g. air, for studying chemical reactions, such as oxidation, at high temperatures. 

Cameca SX 50
Cameca SX 50 electron microprobe equipped with five WDS detectors and a PGT-IMIX EDX system. This instrument can perform high precision chemical analyses using two-dimensional X-ray intensity mapping, and also imaging using secondary and back scattered electrons. 

FEI StrataTM DB 235 FIB
The Strata DB-235 dual-beam focused ion beam and scanning electron microscope (FIB/SEM) system. The FIB/SEM provides the unique capability in the IAC to either add or subtract material between precisely defined locations with high spatial resolution. The system is equipped with a Zyvex F100 Nanomanipulator system for in situ manipulation and testing of micro- and nanoscale samples. The F100 was recently acquired by PRISM through a special partnership with Zyvex.

DI Multimode AFM
DI Nanoscope IIIa Atomic Force Microscope equipped with a heating stage, fluid cell, and magnetic probe. This kind of microscope performs “imaging by touch” to image surface topography either by contact mode or “tapping” mode, either in ambient atmosphere or in a liquid environment. 

DI Dimension 3000 AFM
The Dimension 3000 is capable of atomic-scale resolution (in ideal systems). In addition to some advantages given in the multimode AFM, it can accept samples up to 100mm in diameter and can function in ambient conditions or under the surface of liquids.

Rigaku MiniFlex XRD
Rigaku MiniFlex XRD/X-ray diffractometer equipped with two types of holders (for powder and bulk) to have up to 6 samples which can be mounted and measured with the automatic sample changer. Each sample can be made to spin to enhance data precision for the qualitative and quantitative analyses. It works with JADETM 3.1 processing and search/match software.

Bruker D8 Discover X-Ray Diffractometer
This XRD is a state-of-the-art, high-quality system that is easy to use, highly accurate, and versatile to meet our needs in X-ray diffraction. This system equips with the optimum components (X-ray 4-Bounce monochromator, high-precision, two-circle goniometer, LynxEye detector and standard software package) to provide a comprehensive solution for X-ray reflectometry, High resolution X-ray diffraction, Grazing incidence diffraction and texture measurements, as well as ?m-XRD. One of the unique advantages of this system is its extreme versatility. The system can be easily reconfigured for the usage of multiple research groups for different applications. The combination of various measurement methods in this single instrument allows us to use it during all phases of complex materials development. We have also added special attachments to meet our research needs. These features include:
  • A new LynxEye detector that operates both in a 1-Dimensional Mode (for polymers and powders) and also in a 0 Dimensional Mode (for thin film and grazing incidence analysis, reciprocal space mapping) provides high resolution detection for nearly all applications
  • A Laser-Video Scope for accurate alignment and positioning of any type of samples
  • A DCS 350 temperature stage (-100°C to 350°C)
  • A MRI Hot Humidity Stage (25°C - 90°C, up to 90% relative humidity)
  • A full TOPAS and MULTEX software package for powder pattern fitting, pattern decomposition, quantitative structure refinement, ab-initio structure determination, and pole figure measurement, etc.
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    Zeiss Discovery V12 Stereomicroscope
    The Discovery V12 Stereomicroscope is a configurable, modular system featuring newly patented optics for improved resolution and contrast. The motorized zoom system provides resolution, magnification and object field data via a Human Interface Panel (HIP), which is illuminated for easy viewing. The HIP allows programmable entry of eyepiece and objective magnification, zoom speed, focus speed, position and displays resolution, field of view and magnification values. A 3-position turret can accommodate from 0.63X to 1.5X objectives for a zoom range of 30:1.The Microscope is also equipped with a 1K frames per second high speed camera as well as integrated software for CCD image grabbing. Images can be post processed with a wide range of image manipulating software.

    Sample Preparation Lab
    Sample preparation Lab equipped with various equipments, include: two Leica ultramicrotome instruments (ultracut UCT has cryo-capability); VCR IBS/TM250 Ion Beam Sputterer; VCR D500I Dimpler; VCR XLA 200 Ion Mill; Cressington 208 Carbon Coater; a range of ancillary items associated with sample preparation.

    Leica Ultracut UCT Ultramicrotome Instrument
    The Leica Ultracut UCT ultramicrotome with a cryo-attachment is designed to meet the precise requirements of sample preparation for electron microscopy. It is ideal for biological applications and soft materials preparation. It features automatic feed in 1nm increments from 1 to 100 nm. The variable cutting speed can be finitely controlled to 0.05 mm per second. All key functions of the microtome, even the motorized approach of knife to specimen, can be operated from the separate control unit.

    Allied Multi Prep Polisher
    The MultiPrep™ System enables precise semi-automatic sample preparation of a wide range of materials for microscopic (optical, SEM, TEM, AFM, etc.) evaluation. Capabilities include parallel polishing, precise angle polishing, site-specific polishing or any combination thereof. It provides reproducible sample results by eliminating inconsistencies between users, regardless of their skill. The MultiPrep eliminates the need for hand-held polishing jigs, and ensures that only the sample makes contact with the abrasive. It maintains geometric orientation of the sample relative to the abrasive plane during polishing, allowing quantification of material removal; rate of polish can be monitored, and total amount removed can be preset.

    Fischione 1010 Ion Mill
    The Model 1010 Ion Mill is a tabletop, PC-controlled precision milling and polishing system for creating high-quality TEM specimens with large electron transparent areas. It is fully programmable and easy to use. The Model 1010 incorporates two independently adjustable, variable energy hollow anode discharge (HAD) ion sources, liquid nitrogen specimen cooling, 0° to 45° milling angles, automatic gas control, and an oil-free vacuum system for ultra-clean specimen processing.

    Computer Cluster
    Center’s computer clusters provide various computer simulation capabilities: 4 Shuttle SFF PCs with Dual Core processing capabilities, 1 SGI Octane, Macs, and PCs, Epson V700 High-resolution image scanner, MSI-Cerius2 simulation package, etc.  for molecular dynamics calculation, structural modeling and electron image and spectroscopy processing.