Unlocking the atomic world reveals new research possibilities

What sets the University of Waterloo apart is our commitment to collaboration across disciplines that bring together expertise from all corners of campus to drive innovation.

Waterloo’s state-of-the-art Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) technology is at the heart of groundbreaking research across multiple fields, from neuromorphic computing to advanced battery technology. As part of the Quantum-Nano Fabrication and Characterization Facility (QNFCF), the TEM is a powerful tool available to the research community, enabling the exploration of materials at an atomic level. This imaging capability allows researchers to visualize details in materials, unlocking essential insights for their scientific challenges.

Neuromorphic computing

Rabiul Islam, a PhD candidate in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and his team are advancing neuromorphic computing research by leveraging the capabilities of TEM. Islam is developing a device inspired by the human brain's unique architecture, which integrates memory and processing functions. This innovative approach seeks to address the limitations of traditional computing models that separate memory and processing. This separation can cause delays and increase energy use.

Islam’s device consists of titanium oxide and lithium phosphorus oxynitride. It is designed to mimic the behaviour of synapses, which are the connections between neurons in the brain. The device can switch between two memory states: “volatile,” where information is temporarily retained, and “nonvolatile,” where information is stored long-term — mirroring the brain’s short-term and long-term memory functions.

“The demonstration of the short-term and long-term memory in a single device was the major bottleneck in realizing a low-cost neuromorphic computing platform,” Islam says. “Finally, we’ve made this possible.”

TEM imaging plays a vital role in this research, allowing Islam and his team to visualize the materials’ crystallinity of the proposed device as deposited and after thousands of cycles of switching conditions. In addition, electron energy loss spectroscopy mapping helps to find out any contamination in the device. These insights enable fine-tuning the device's ability to process and store information efficiently. By examining the changes in materials’ arrangement and elemental composition in the device, Islam can adjust to improve performance.

Other applications of TEM technology

The JEOL F200 S/TEM at QNFCF enables high-resolution imaging and atomic-level analysis, advancing research across quantum, nano and materials sciences

This high-tech facility supports diverse research in semiconductor technology, quantum materials and materials science, enabling breakthroughs that can transform industries.

In battery technology, researchers can use TEM to observe atomic-level changes in materials during charge cycles, helping to create batteries with higher capacity, faster charging and longer life. In quantum materials, TEM aids in discovering materials that could advance quantum computing and energy-efficient tech.

Waterloo recently celebrated one year of enhanced TEM capabilities with an open house hosted by the QNFCF in collaboration with Transformative Quantum Technologies.

Attendees toured the facility, explored the TEM's capabilities and learned how to access it for their research through sessions covering sample preparation, data analysis and live demonstrations, offering a high-level overview of this powerful research tool. The event fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing among students, faculty and researchers — emphasizing Waterloo’s community-focused approach to supporting innovation and discovery.

The introduction of TEM technology at Waterloo brings exciting new opportunities for research and discovery that can happen right here on campus.

Nicki Shaw, senior facility microscopist, showcases the TEM’s capabilities

“We thrive when we lower barriers to accessing powerful tools like the TEM, but you can’t just ‘turn a key’ and get groundbreaking results out of this system. The TEM requires a great deal of training and support to get the most out of it,” says Dr. Nathan Nelson-Fitzpatrick, director of the Quantum-Nano Fabrication and Characterization Facility. “I’m proud of Nicki Shaw, the QNFCF team supporting the TEM and the community of dedicated users who have come back repeatedly over the past year to push the limits of discovery on this tool.”

With facilities like the QNFCF, Waterloo is well-positioned to lead in transformative research that will impact industries as diverse as computing, energy storage and health.

The TEM facility was made possible with funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and Transformative Quantum Technologies. By providing access to advanced tools and fostering collaboration among experts, Waterloo empowers the next generation of scientists and engineers to achieve breakthroughs that can shape our collective global future.