Research Laboratories

Scanning Probe Microscopy Laboratory

In the Scanning Probe Microscopy Laboratory, a Digital Instruments Dimension 3100 scanning probe microscope permits atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and magnetic force microscopy (MFM) investigations in a single platform. Samples up to eight inches in diameter can be scanned in ambient air or fluids, and automated stepping can be used to scan multiple areas of the sample without operator intervention. The Dimension 3100 SPM is well suited for fundamental studies of the surfaces of all classes of materials as well as semiconductor wafers, lithography masks, magnetic media, CD/DVD, biomaterials, optics, and other demanding samples.

SEM Laboratory

Available in the SEM Laboratory, a Philips XL-30 field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with detectors for imaging in SE and BSE mode, compositional analyses by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and collection of electron beam backscatter patterns (EBSP). Spatial imaging resolution of 2nm at 20kV and detection of elements with atomic number Z=6 or larger is possible. An attachment to utilize orientation imaging microscopy (OIM) for complete measurement of crystallographic textures is also available.

Sound, Systems, and Structures Laboratory

This Sound, Systems, and Structures Laboratory is dedicated to development, modeling, and experimental characterization of active systems at the micro (MEMS) and macro scales. The diverse range of projects typically blend the related fields of acoustics, noise control, hearing loss prevention, vibrations, structural-acoustic interaction, controls, and analog/digital signal processing. A 1,000 ft2 laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art equipment is complemented with an ancillary 250m3 anechoic chamber facility. Past and current applications include biological modeling and control, analysis of novel composite structures, development of automated classification systems, and hearing loss prevention.

TEM Laboratory

The TEM Laboratory of the MMCL comprises two 200kV transmission electron microscopes. They include a JEOL 200CX and a JEOL 2000FX STEM, both of which have line resolutions of 0.14 nm. The JEOL 200CX is equipped with a tungsten filament, capable of conventional diffraction contrast imaging, selected area diffraction, and magnetic domain imaging by Lorentz TEM. The JEOL 2000FX features analytical TEM attachments for thin window EDS (Z ≥ 11 can be detected) and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) with energy resolution of about 2eV for compositional and chemical characterization from areas as small as ~15nm.
TV-rate CCD-camera systems for the electronic collection of imaging and diffraction data in digital format are available and allow the recording of dynamic in-situ sequences. In scanning TEM (STEM) mode, bright-field and dark-field imaging and the collection of both EDS and EELS profiles or maps is possible with the Emispec Vision system that can control all data channels simultaneously.
In addition to standard TEM specimen holders, low-background double-tilt and tilt-rotation holders, specialized holders for in-situ heating, in-situ cooling, and in-situ straining are available. An associated sample preparation laboratory provides dedicated support and access to dimple grinders, slurry and ultrasonic drills, low speed, precision and wire saws, grinding and polishing devices, surface cleaning, and precision ion-milling, all standard equipment for TEM sample preparation.

Thermal and Chemical Analysis

The department has thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis capabilities.

Thermal Science and Imaging Laboratory

The Thermal Science and Imaging Laboratory is equipped with advanced flow and heat transfer measurement facilities directed toward obtaining fundamental understanding and design strategies for advanced thermal control systems. Major equipment includes a subsonic wind tunnel, a particle imaging velocimetry, a computer-automated liquid crystal thermographic system, a UV-induced phosphor fluorescent thermometric imaging system, and a sublimation-based heat-mass analogous system. Specific projects currently under way include optimal endwall cooling, shaped-hole film cooling, innovative turbulator heat transfer enhancement, advanced concepts in trailing edge cooling, and instrumentation developments for unsteady thermal and pressure sensing.

Vibration and Control Laboratory

The Vibration and Control Laboratory is devoted to the study of smart structures and microsystems. The primary focus is on the use of smart materials in a variety of applications, including structural vibration control, microelectromechanical systems (including sensors, actuators, resonators, and filters), and energy harvesting. The laboratory is well equipped for experimental and analytical research. Equipment includes computers and data acquisition hardware for simulation and real-time control of dynamic electromechanical systems; a variety of modern transducers and instrumentation for sensing, actuation, and measurement such as dynamic signal analyzers, shakers, high voltage power supplies, and amplifiers, as well as a variety of basic instrumentation and sensors and a work center for constructing electronics and test rigs, with emphasis on piezoelectric systems.
Learn more about the Vibration and Control Laboratory.

XRD Laboratory

In the XRD Laboratory, two Philips X’pert diffractometers are available. One unit is dedicated to powder diffraction and includes a platinum furnace capable of temperatures up to 1600°C as well as a vacuum furnace capable of temperatures above 2000°C. The second diffractometer has a thin film attachment and a Eulerian cradle useful for the study of crystallographic textures and the determination of pole-figures. Computers for online and offline processing and analysis of diffraction data are also available in this laboratory.

Laboratories

A - J

• Atom Probe Field Ion Microscopy Laboratory
• Bio Tissues and Complex Fluids Laboratory
• Ceramics Processing Laboratory
• Composite Materials Laboratory
• Computational Transport Phenomena Laboratory
• Electrical Properties and Dielectric Measurements
• Gas Turbine Heat Transfer Laboratory
• John A. Swanson Micro/Nanotechnology Laboratory
• Joint Replacement Biomechanics Laboratory

M - O

• Magnetic Properties and Measurement
• Mechanical Testing Laboratory
• Mechanics of Active Materials Laboratory
• Materials Micro-Characterization Laboratory (MMCL)
• Metals Processing Laboratory
• Micro/Bio Fluidics Laboratory
• Micromechanics and Nano-science Laboratory
• Microsensor and Microactuator Laboratory
• Optical Metallography Laboratories
• Oxidation Laboratory

S - X

• Scanning Probe Microscopy Laboratory
• SEM Laboratory
• Sound, Systems, and Structures Laboratory
• TEM Laboratory
• Thermal and Chemical Analysis
• Thermal Science and Imaging Laboratory
• Vibration and Control Laboratory
• XRD Laboratory