Sample surface can be analyzed using reflection mode, while the structure of materials can be studied using transmitted light (samples must be few microns thick).
A large variety of contrast modes exist to highlight different aspects of material structures, depending on the information needed.
Samples can be either solids or liquids.
Capabilities
Fractography
Dispersion in polymer blends
Powders, crystal morphologies
Thickness measurements of multilayered materials, concentricity
Assets
Asset
Details
Stereo Microscope Leica M60
Observation of surface at low magnifications (x6-x40) in reflection, with integrated annular light and digital camera.
Zeiss Discovery V12
Observation of surface at low magnifications (x6-x40) in reflection, with integrated annular light and digital camera.
Optical Microscope Leica DM2700M
Observation of samples at higher magnifications (x25-x500, limit of resolution 0,5 µm) in reflection or transmission, and digital camera.
Preparative Techniques
Asset
Details
Polishing machine Struers Labopol-30
Polishing machine equipped with an autosampler, to prepare embedded sections and surfaces, with a finish at 0,25 µm.
Microtomy
Microtome to prepare cuts of samples, at room temperature, with a thickness in the range 0,5-50 µm.
Cryofracture
Fracture of frozen of samples in liquid nitrogen (-196°C), to prepare sections of soft samples.