Electron Microscopy Core: aberration-corrected atomic-resolution imaging & materials/life-science characterization

Atomic-resolution electron microscopy and analytical characterization for materials science and life sciences. Open to academic and industry partners, with both trained self-serve access and full-service, staff-run analysis.

Overview

The Electron Microscopy Core, part of UIC's Research Resources Center, provides atomic-resolution imaging and analytical characterization for both materials science and life sciences. Its centerpiece is a JEOL JEM-ARM200CF aberration-corrected STEM/TEM resolving below 0.08 nm, one of the highest-resolution instruments of its kind in the region. Partners get instrument access, training, dedicated sample-prep support, and staff collaboration on experimental design. External and industry users are welcome.

Available services

• Materials TEM/STEM — atomic-resolution imaging, diffraction, and analytical microscopy
• SEM — high-resolution and variable-pressure imaging with EDS elemental mapping and EBSD
• Focused ion beam (FIB) — TEM lamella prep, 3D slice-and-view, cross-sectioning, deposition
• Biological TEM — full specimen prep (fixation through embedding), ultramicrotomy, and imaging
• Raman spectroscopy and XPS for chemical and surface analysis
• Physical property measurement — resistivity, heat capacity, and magnetometry (1.8–400 K, 14 T)
• Two engagement modes: train to run instruments yourself, or submit samples for staff-run analysis

Equipment & instruments

• JEOL JEM-ARM200CF — 200 kV aberration-corrected STEM/TEM, cold field-emission source, <0.08 nm HAADF resolution, 0.35 eV energy resolution
• JEOL JEM-1400 Flash — 120 kV TEM for biologicals, polymers, and nanomaterials
• JEOL JSM-IT500HR — variable-pressure field-emission SEM with SED, backscatter, EDS, and EBSD
• ThermoFisher Helios 5CX — dual-beam FIB/SEM with automated TEM lamella prep, cryo transfer, W/Pt/C deposition, EDS and EBSD
• Renishaw inVia Reflex — micro-Raman (532 nm / 633 nm lasers, 2.5 µm depth resolution)
• Quantum Design PPMS — 1.8–400 K, 14 T magnet; resistivity, heat capacity, VSM, high-pressure
• Sample prep — Leica UC7 ultramicrotome (<100 nm sections), Fischione 1050 ion mill, Fischione 1040 NanoMill, JEOL cross-section polisher, plasma cleaner, polishing wheels

Capacity & turnaround

Life-science specimen processing runs handle up to six pieces from six samples, completed in two to three days. Thick sectioning ~20 min/block; ultramicrotomy ~40 min/block.

Access & booking

Requests and instrument scheduling run through UIC iLab (uic.ilab.agilent.com). New self-serve users complete required training first (TEM: 8 hrs over 3 sessions; SEM: 4 hrs). External users are accepted; researchers from Northwestern, University of Chicago, and Rush pay the same internal rates as UIC users, with external academic and non-academic rates otherwise. Samples can be shipped in for full-service work; self-serve requires on-site access after training.

Location

Science and Engineering South, 845 West Taylor St, Room 116 (instruments in 104A/104C/116B), Chicago, IL 60607. Additional presence on West Campus in the Medical Sciences Building.