Laboratory for Multiscale Imaging

The Laboratory for Multiscale Imaging (LMSI) is a vibrant research facility that promotes learning and research activities by offering training classes and seminars within an open and multiuser laboratory space. It is open to the entire Stevens community as well as outside researchers.

LMSI provides state-of-the-art instrumentation and expertise in morphological characterization to support and elevate research, and it helps leverage Stevens' capabilities to attract further support for new and significant self-sustaining programs. The LMSI is directed by Prof. Matthew Libera, and it is staffed by full-time research scientist, Dr. Tsengming (Alex) Chou.

LMSI Equipment Fees LMSI Media Gallery LMSI Related Publications

Instrumentation

Spec of the 2100Plus at Stevens

200kV LaB6 filament

High-specimen tilt (HT) pole piece

Point resolution @ 0.25 nm; Lattice resolution at 0.14 nm

HT can be selected at 80, 100, 120, 160, and 200 kV

Objective lens

Focus distance at 2.7 mm

Spherical aberration at 1.4 mm

Chromatic aberration at 1.8 mm

Minimum focus step at 1.8 nm

Spot size (in diameter)

TEM mode: 20 to 200 nm

EDS, NBD, CBD mode: 1.5 to 25 nm

Stage

X, Y: +/- 1.0 mm

Z: +/- 0.2 mm

Stage Tilt

With regular holder: +/- 42 degree in alpha and +/- 30 degree in beta tilt

With high-tilt holder: +/- 80 degree in alpha tilt only

Image shift: +/- 2.0 um

Florescent Screen

Large screen: 160 mm in diameter

Small screen: 25mm in diameter

Available holders:

Single tilt holder

Double tilt low background holder

Single tilt high-angle tiling holder

Gatan ELSA single tilt high-angle tilting cryo-holder

Capabilities

Digital imaging via a Gatan 4k by 4k Rio camera

BF/DF TEM imaging

BF/DF STEM imaging

Electron diffraction

TEM tomography

Cryo-microscopy

EDS is not available now but will be coming soon!

Regarding to basic information of becoming a self-user, hourly rate, training and etc., please click here to download the LMSI TEM Users Guide. Please contact Dr. Tsengming (Alex) Chou at 201-216-8310 if you have any questions.
Nanotechnology Workstation : combine both FE-SEM and HR-FIB, sample can be manipulated in nano-scale.

High Resolution FESEM
a GEMINI field-emission electron column that provides resolution of 1.0 nm @ 15 kV and 1.9 nm @ 1 kV.

This FE-SEM can:
magnification: 12x to 1000 kx
probe current: 4pA to 20 nA
HV: 0.1 to 30 kV
with in-lens SE detector, Everhart-Thornley type SE chamber detector, in-lens EsB (energy selective backscattering) detector, and a STEM BF/DF detector for the thin specimen.
N2 gas charge compensation device is also available.

High Resolution FIB
Resolution down to 2.5 nm @ 30 kV via this Cobra ion column
source: liquid metal gallium ion source
magnification: 300x to 500kx
probe current: 1 pA to 50 nA
HV: 1.0 to 30 kV
with Pt GIS (gas injection system) to provide both electron and ion beam induced deposition.

Introduction to 3D Reconstruction
Image stack of serial sectioned images at nano-scale can be produced on this system. Using Avizo 3D reconstruction and visualization platform, studies of 3D nano-structure can be achieved.

High Resolution STEM Imaging
Using the retractable BF/DF STEM detector, sample can be imaged in STEM (scanning transmission electron microscopy) mode via electrons have up to 30 kV energy. It provides structure information on a thin specimen.

TEM Sample Preparation
Automatic TEM sample preparation can be done using in-situ lift out method via Kleindiek nano-manipulator (model: MM3A).

Advanced Analytical Platform
A 80 mm2 Oxford SDD (silicon drift detector) EDS system provides a high through-put and high resolution microanalysis capability.

Electron and Ion Beam Lithography
Via Nabity's NPGS system, lithography can be done via either electron or ion beam.

Cryo-capability
A Leica VCT cryo-transfer system is coming soon to provide a cryo-EM capability on this system.
BioScope Resolve's seamless integration of atomic force microscopy and light microscopy reveals more detail and information of biological samples including mechanical properties. The system's unique design makes combined optical and AFM research easy with its open access to the sample, single instrument setup, and correlated data collection and analysis. Researchers can now perfectly connect real-time optical images with AFM imaging.

The new MIROView graphical interface and ScanAsyst-Cell mode ensure expert data generation, regardless of the user’s AFM experience level.

Integrates with a Nikon Ti-2 Florescent microscope with:

X-cite 120LED Boost light engine

5 filter cubes - BF, DAPI, GFP, DesRed, Cy5

4 Obj lens - 4x, 10x, ELWD20x , and ELWD40x

DIC and BF imaging

Single, integrated view and operation controls for AFM or optical microscope

Syncronized AFM images, force maps and single force curves with optical images and data

Point-and-click setup for automated force and imaging measurements

Video creation of experiments showing optical and AFM results

BioAFM accessories and PeakForce Tapping probes to meet every application

PeakForceQNM mode for accurate mechanical measurement of the materials

Regarding basic information on becoming a self-user, hourly rate, training, etc., please contact Dr. Tsengming (Alex) Chou at [email protected] if you have any questions.