Sample Preparation

Electron microscopy demands high quality sample preparation. The microscopy suite includes two sample preparation laboratories that contain the latest Ion polishing system, metal/carbon coating and plasma cleaning tools. Specialist TEM sample preparation equipment includes: Gatan ultrasonic disc cutter, Gatan dimple grinding stations, Gatan precision ion polishing system (PIPS) ion milling PECS-II units and a Gatan SOLARIS plasma cleaner.

Sample preparation facilities

There are specialist tools for TEM wafer cross section samples developed within the facility.

For site specific, macro-porous or fragile samples we have the FEI Helios, FIB/SEM focussed ion beam.

For light and electron microscopy biological sample preparation and preparation of polymers we have a 1 PT-XL ultramicrotome - contact Dr Alexandra Porter for enquiries about using this ultramicrotome. A full list of equipment is available upon request.

Sample preparation help and support

  • Dr Mahmoud Ardakani

    Personal details

    Dr Mahmoud Ardakani Research Facility Manager Harvey Flowers Electron Microscopy Suite

    07907979263

    Support with

    ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

    General enquiries about Harvey Flowers Electron Microscopy Suite
    JEOL STEM/TEM 2100Plus
    JEOL JEM-2100F TEM
    LEO Gemini 1525 FEGSEM
    JSM6400 SEM
    JSM5610LV SEM
    Zeiss Auriga Cross Beam
    Zeiss Gemini Sigma300
    Sample preparation

    Location

    Department of Materials
    Royal School of Mines
    Lower Ground Floor, LG05

  • Professor Alex Porter

    Personal details

    Professor Alex Porter Academic Lead

    +44 (0)20 7594 9691

    Support with

    Light and electron microscopy biological sample preparation and preparation of polymers, the 1 PT-XL ultramicrotome

    Location

    Department of Materials
    Bessemer Building
    Ground Floor, B341

  • Dr Catriona McGilvery

    Personal details

    Dr Catriona McGilvery Research Facility Manager

    +44 020 7594 2579

    Support with

    ELECTRON MISCROSCOPY

    Titan 80/300 TEM/STEM
    Sample preparation

    Location

    Department of Materials
    Royal School of Mines
    Lower Ground Floor, LGM 05K

  • Dr Cati Ware

    Personal details

    Dr Cati Ware Research Facility Assistant

    Support with

    ELECTRON MISCROCOPY

    Helios NanoLab 600
    SEM and TEM/FIB sample preparation for materials characterisation

    Location

    Department of Materials
    Royal School of Mines
    Lower Ground Floor, LG05