Microscopy & Microanalysis
Underlying the outward appearance of objects and organisms in the world around us is a complex microstructure. It is the task of microscopy and microanalysis to explore this inner complexity and relate it to the functions of the organism or material. Research within the Australian Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis (ACMM) involves the application and development of techniques and new methods in microscopy and microanalysis. This includes microscopy, tomography, diffraction and spectroscopy and imaging science. Breakthroughs in these areas provide the gateway to discovery for researchers in many fields of research endeavour. With the growth in fields such as biotechnology and nanotechnology, microscopy and microanalysis is set to play an increasingly important role. This is a particularly exciting time as there are many new instruments, approaches and technologies currently being developed. In addition to developing new approaches and techniques, the ACMM is active in research to understand and design the properties and functions of materials, both organic and inorganic.
University of Sydney Advantage
The ACMM is the premier research facility in Australia in microscopy and microanalysis. It has the country’s most comprehensive array of imaging, analysis and specimen preparation equipment. While the ACMM prides itself on its state-of-the-art instruments, it supports a full range of conventional instruments for optical, electron and x-ray imaging. The ACMM is a node of the Australian Microscopy and Microanalysis Research Facility (AMMRF) and serves as the facility-headquarters. Therefore, students undertake their study in a national research facility with access to a national grid of facilities including over $100M worth of infrastructure, over 180 staff, world-class equipment and support for understanding nanomolecular characteristics of materials. Students are encouraged to develop interactions with staff and students from other nodes of the facility and support is available for this.
Facilities
Instruments available in the ACMM include:
- optical and confocal microscopy
- conventional scanning electron microscopes (SEM) and transmission electron microscopes (TEM)
- field emission SEM for high-resolution surface studies
- dedicated scanning transmission electron microscope for high-resolution analytical studies
- field-emission TEM for atomic-resolution imaging and high-resolution analysis
- x-ray diffraction, including high-temperature stage
- x-ray fluorescence
- micro-CT for non-destructive high-resolution x-ray tomographic studies
- dual beam focused ion beam (FIB), SEM
- local electrode atom probe (LEAP)
- scanned probe microscopy
- a wide range of specimen preparation equipment for both biological and physical specimen preparation
Areas of Research
The staff of the ACMM conduct research in a diverse range of fields and collaborate widely with colleagues from other departments throughout the University. We have a unique role, often forming a bridge between different fields and initiating a multi-disciplinary approach to research. A summary of our research areas is given below and a full description of research projects can be found at the ACMM website.
Physical Sciences
- light alloy design
- design of advanced steels
- grain boundary segregation and embrittlement
- structure-property relationships in optical fibre materials
- characterisation of quantum well nanostructures
- dopant distributions in semiconductors
- zeolite nanocrystals
- porous clay nanostructures, metal oxide nanoparticles, nanofibres and nanotubes
- advanced applications of microscopy for the design of new nanomaterials
- developing key engineering nanocomposites by new synthesis techniques
- adsorption and catalysis for environmental protection
- novel application of microscopy in chemistry
- reactions of metal oxide and hydrous oxides in wet chemistry processes
Biological Sciences
- live cell imaging
- fluorescent lifetime spectroscopy
- structure and dynamics of the plant cytoskeleton
- targeting enzymes for optimising drug efficacy
- understanding the mechanisms of arsenic-induced cancers
- nanoprobe investigations of cellular processes
- bio-organic, bio-mimetic and supramolecular chemistry
- bio-electronics and bionanotechnology
- emergence: origin of life and other complex systems
- structure and function of colour in reef corals and other marine organisms
- diseases of Great Barrier Reef corals
- algal symbioses of corals and other marine organisms
- microcellular control and stress responses of coral symbiosis
- biology and morphology of symbiotic dinoflagellates
- cellular adaptations for light capture of deep water marine organisms
- anthozoan cellular adaptations for light creening and amplification
- imaging and biotechnological applications of anthozoan GFP-type proteins
- second-harmonic microscopy of natural biological polymers
Technique Development
- atomic resolution imaging and analysis
- super-resolution in confocal and nonlinear microscopy
- image analysis for microscopy
- 3D visualisation and quantification
- x-ray microtomography
- atom probe tomography
- electron energy loss spectroscopy
- spectrum imaging in microanalysis
- computational microscopy and microanalysis
- calculation and measurement of electronic structure and bonding
- novel methods for phase imaging
- microanalysis of cellular processes
Academic Programs offered
- Honours
- Graduate Diploma in Science (GradDipSc)
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)