Taking a closer look – facilities and equipment
- Zeiss SIGMA FEG-SEM Scanning Electron Microscope [FEG-SEM]
The SIGMA FEG-SEM delivers high performance nanometre scale resolution digital imaging of samples at up to 1 million times magnification. The FEG-SEM provides SEM imaging with secondary and back scattered electron detectors for large samples, as well as scanning transmission electron microscopy [STEM] imaging of ultra thin sections of whole mounts of, for example, histology sections and nanomaterials. The FEG-SEM is equipped with an Oxford Instruments 80mm² X-Max energy dispersive X-ray analysis system [EDS] for high precision elemental analysis of samples, and a Quorum PP3000T Cryo-SEM system for handling hydrated or liquid samples. A Quorum Q150T turbo molecular-pumped sputter coating system provides the ability to apply a nanometre thin conductive noble metal or carbon coating to samples if required. - Zeiss EVO LS-15 Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope [ESEM]
The EVO LS-15 ESEM delivers high performance SEM imaging of hydrated, pressure sensitive, and beam sensitive samples via an environmental ESEM chamber equipped with extended pressure, water vapour injection, and cold stage technologies. These allow secondary and back scattered electron digital imaging and examination of hydrated and biological samples in their native state without the need for further sample preparation. The ESEM is equipped with an Oxford Instruments 80mm² X-Max energy dispersive X-ray analysis system [EDS] for high precision elemental analysis of samples. - Leica TCS SP5 Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope [CLSM]
The Leica TCS SP5 Confocal microscope delivers high resolution laser scanning digital images of fluorescence-marked living and fixed specimens. It is equipped with a DMI6000 inverted microscope with a selection of air, oil and water immersion objective lenses. The CLSM is equipped with an incubating sample chamber which provides the ability to undertake extended time-lapse studies and quantitative measurements of live specimens. - Digital Instruments Multimode Nanoscope Probe III Atomic Force Microscope [AFM]
This Atomic Force Microscope is capable of measuring and imaging atomic scale features and forces on sample surfaces. The AFM can operate in two modes, contact and tapping, allowing a range of applications including surface topography, phase imaging, and force interactions. - Nikon Eclipse TE2000-U Light-Fluorescence Microscope with Digital SLR Camera
This provides direct and phase contrast [3 modes] light microscopy, along with FITC, DAPI, and UV light capabilities. The mounted professional full-frame DSLR camera produces very high resolution digital images, and can also be used dismounted for macro photography. - Motic Stereo Microscope
Bright field/Dark field microscope fitted with digital image capture and Alicona TEX reconstruction and analysis software. - Nikon Eclipse ME600
Bright field/Dark field microscope fitted with digital image capture and Alicona TEX reconstruction and analysis software. - Data Physics OCA Contact Angle System
The OCA allows the measurement of hydrophobicity / hydrophilicity of surfaces through digital image capture and analysis software. Measurements of surface energy can also be obtained using this instrument.
The IAU also has expertise in, and the use of, an additional range of analytical instruments housed within the laboratories of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, including:
- Chromatographic – e.g. HPLC, GC, LC-MS
- Spectroscopic – e.g. UV-Vis, Fluorescence, FT-IR, NIR, Raman, AAS, NMR, X-Ray
- Thermal – e.g. DSC
- Physical characterisation – e.g. Particle Size [Malvern Zetasizer 3000HS & Mastersizer MS20]
The IAU is experienced in the application of, and has access to:
- Cell / Tissue Culture Laboratories
- Microbiology Facilities
These instruments, facilities, and techniques have been employed by the IAU in a diversity of applications, including pharmaceuticals, medicines, medical devices, environmental samples, and engineering components, for a variety of commercial and industrial clients, in addition to providing continued support for research and teaching at the University of Brighton.
