Unlocking the atomic world reveals new research possibilities

Thursday, October 31, 2024
by Jordan Flemming

How transmission electron microscopy is now pushing the frontiers of research at the University of Waterloo

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.

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,

Dr. Nathan Nelson-Fitzpatrick, director of the Quantum-Nano Fabrication and Characterization Facility

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.