Imaging and Chemical Analysis Laboratory (ICAL): materials characterization core
Montana State University's materials characterization facility offering high-resolution imaging and spectroscopic analysis, with training and expert experimental design.
Overview
The Imaging and Chemical Analysis Laboratory (ICAL) at Montana State University provides high-resolution imaging and spectroscopic characterization of materials. Staff support users with sample selection and preparation, recommended instrumentation and operating parameters, data interpretation, and training on characterization instrumentation.
Available services
- Training on characterization instrumentation
- Material characterization via high-resolution imaging and spectroscopic methods
- Experimental design support: sample selection, sample preparation, instrumentation and parameter recommendations, and data interpretation
- Sample preparation (carbon coating, metal coating, critical point drying)
Equipment & instruments
- Two field-emission scanning electron microscopes (FE-SEMs) with back-scattered electron imaging, Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS), Electron Back-Scattered Diffraction (EBSD), cathodoluminescence imaging, cryogenic stage, and tensile stage
- Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS)
- Auger Nanoprobe with EDS and EBSD detectors
- Powder X-ray diffractometer with grazing incidence diffraction and X-ray reflectometry
- Atomic force microscope (AFM)
- Portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer
- Video contact angle system
- Zeta potential meter
- Carbon coater, metal coater, and critical point dryer
Access & engagement
Scheduling is handled through a PPMS login. The facility references competitive rates and separate pages for prospective users, fees, and current users. Available to academic and industrial partners on a fee-for-service basis.
About Montana State University
Montana State University's substantial research enterprise growth has been accompanied by focused investments in innovation and research translation, creating new opportunities for companies to engage with MSU research and expertise. A particular strength is MSU’s network of specialized centers, institutes, and industry-accessible core facilities, which bring together multidisciplinary expertise, advanced research infrastructure, testing capabilities, and established pathways for working with industry partners. MSU is one of a select group of universities participating in the NSF's Accelerating Research Translation (ART) program, which is building the capacity and infrastructure needed to translate more research discoveries into solutions with real-world impact. The growing MSU Innovation Campus and expanding incubator infrastructure provide additional opportunities for university-industry interaction, startup development, and technology-focused companies. These efforts are complemented by MSU’s Technology Transfer Office, which works with researchers and companies to protect and license MSU inventions and facilitate industry-sponsored research collaborations.
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