
Microstructural Studies Unit
Our MicroStructural Studies Unit (MSSU), the electron microscopy facility of the University of Surrey, was established in 1970 to support a wide range of research activities across the University and to offer electron microscopy services to industry.
Overview
After 40 years of continuous development, we employ experienced microscopists and house a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art instruments such as, transmission electron microscopes (TEM), scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and sample preparation equipment.
Our unit is essential for a wide range of ongoing research projects and makes a significant contribution to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. Research activities are numerous but presently include nanoparticles and nanocomposites (all material types), opto-electronic materials, advanced metallurgical structures, metal to polymer interfacial studies, etc.
Collaboration
We work in close collaboration with the Surface Analysis Laboratory here at the University. A combination of state-of-the-art instrumentation, expertise in data interpretation and materials knowledge, enables experienced academics and technical staff to select the right combination of techniques for undertaking materials related research and development or solving technical problems.
Such work includes product development, failure analysis, process problems, surface contaminants, verification of material composition and so forth.
Available instruments
Listed below are the instruments we have here at the University. If you are interested in having a sample analysed, then please email the Unit Manager, David Jones.
JEOL JSM-7100F
The JEOL JSM-7100F is a highly versatile, easy- to-use analytical field emission SEM with a spatial resolution of 1.2 nm at 30 kV. The MSSU microscope is fitted with a Thermo Scientific triple analysis system, featuring an UltraDry EDS detector, a MagnaRay parallel beam WDS spectrometer and a QuasOr system for electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD).
All three analytical functions are integrated into a single Noran System 7 data system to allow integration between three complementary techniques.
Hitachi S4000 SEM
The Hitachi S4000 SEM is a high resolution microscope with a cold cathode field emission electron source (FESEM). This SEM also has a solid state backscattered electron detector for atomic contrast imaging.
It's ease of use and high resolution makes this a very versatile instrument for many users’ applications, complimenting the other microscopes available in the MSSU.
Philips CM200 TEM
The Philips CM200 transmission electron microscope (TEM) operating at up to 200 kV is a very versatile microscope. The computer controlled eucentric sample holder can tilt from -45º to +45º along the A axis and -30º to +30º along the B axis making it ideal for diffraction work.
The CM200 can also achieve a line resolution of 0.14nm with the same holder, as good as a dedicated HRTEM. Furthermore the attached ultra-thin window EDX detector and Electron Energy Loss Spectrometer (EELS) make the CM200 a true analytical microscope.
Hitachi S3200N SEM
The HITACHI S3200N is our most versatile instrument. It has a large specimen chamber, a back scattered electron detector and a variable pressure mode (VP-SEM) allowing the examination of non-conducting and ‘wet’ samples with no special sample preparation.
Combined with an ultra-thin window Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) detector for qualitative/ quantitative elemental analysis, this SEM is a workhorse for investigating all manner of problematic samples, helping our clients find solutions to their problems and enabling students to produce high quality results in all fields of science and technology.
Hitachi HD2300A STEM
The HD2300A STEM is a high performance FEG-STEM with a point resolution of 0.2 nm. The instrument is equipped with X-ray analysis (EDX) and parallel EELS (low atomic number and chemical state) spectroscopy and imaging facilities.
Find an expert
If you would like to use our services then please email our unit manager, David Jones, to discuss your problem.

David Jones
Unit Manager

Dr Mark Whiting
Reader in Metallic Materials, Director of the Centre for Engineering Materials

Research
Research within our Centre addresses ceramics, polymers and metals, as well as composite materials consisting of two or more of these materials, and explores a range of applications where such materials are being used to bring about improved performance or new products.