Centre for Advanced Microscopy

The Centre for Advanced Microscopy provides cutting edge microscopy services and solutions for the life, medical and physical sciences.  A comprehensive suite of imaging techniques enable scientists to reveal details of structures at the atomic level  through the nano scale regime up to the macroscopic level. In parallel, the instrumentation can deliver maps of elemental composition and various properties.  

The Centre offers a full consultancy service for health, biosciences, food, chemical, medical, electronic, forensic and failure analysis, security, nanotechnology, polymer and materials across manufacturing industries.

Image of the Month for February   shows a microscopic view of some of the snow which fell on the Campus last month. Dr Chris Stain from CfAM used the powerful Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope in the Centre to image the microscopic detail of the recent snow fall. We overcame the main challenge of stopping the snow melting using a special cryogenic stage to keep the snow at -140 degrees below zero.  more

Vacancy for Full-time Microscopist in CfAM Reference ASAS10010  

Looking at things differently 4 February 3pm Gordon Lecture Theatre

CfAM contributes to the 'Big Freeze' Channel 4

Microscopy Demo 1 February - imaging nano particles

CfAM Discover Series for Spring Term

CfAM on Radio Berkshire Breakfast Show

CfAM  on Snow

CfAM Newsletter for February

CfAM Master Classes for Schools

Latest CfAM Publications

Stefano Burattini, Howard M. Colquhoun, Justin D. Fox, Donia Friedmann, Barnaby W. Greenland, Peter J. F. Harris, Wayne Hayes, Michael E. Mackay, Stuart J. Rowan, "A self-repairing, supramolecular polymer system: healability as a consequence of donor–acceptor – stacking interactions" Chem. Commun., 6717 (2009).

Z. Liu, K. Suenaga, P.J.F. Harris and S. Iijima, “Open and closed edges of graphene layers”, Phys. Rev. Lett., 102, 015501 2009

S. Wangsoub and G. R. Mitchell 'Shear controlled crystal size definition in a low molar mass compound using a polymeric solvent' , Soft Matter, 2009, 5, 525

Partnerships The Centre for Advanced Microscopy works in partnership and collaboration with researchers and research institutes across the UK and around the world. We welcome enquiries for possible research programmes and funding applications including EU Framework 7 Proposals.

Please contact the Director via cfam@reading.ac.uk

Soil Remediation Project  more  European NaPolyNet  more  Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Products more

Posters  Posters for Schools and Colleges

Posters Technical CfAM posters (SEM, X-ray Analysis, CfAM)

Mail List - a mail list for CfAM News is available for users of the Centre, please subscribe here.

On-line booking for all instruments. Please register to enable on-line booking

MicroNotes from the Centre for Advanced Microscopy illustrate the capability of a particular technique used and they are written to be of interest to the wider audience including Schools and Colleges.  more

New Addition to Micronotes New CfAM Micronote 117 Positive staining for transmission electron microscopy

Techniques - Electron Microscopy (SEM, ESEM, TEM); Scanning Electron MIcroscopy; Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy; Mechanical Testing; Raman Microscopy; Raman Imaging; Raman spectroscopy; Infra-red Microscopy; Infra-red mapping; Infra-red spectroscopy; Optical Microscopy; Scanning Probe Microscopy (AFM, MFM); Atomic Force Microscopy; Freeze drying; Cryo SEM; Critical point drying; Microtoming; X-ray Diffraction  Expertise - Food; Polymers; environment; degradable; biodegredable; Composites; Plastics; Rubber; Textiles; Carbon Nanotubes; Nanoparticles; Product Development; Failure Analysis; Failure Investigation; Foresenic Investigations;  Bacteria; Pharmaceuticals; Training; Microscope Training; Technician Training; Research Training; Student Projects;