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Research Highlights

Research Highlights at Surface Science Western

Shakespeare Exposed! SEM Imaging of Old Books

SSW Researchers wanted to test some novel samples inside the Large Chamber VP-SEM, so they imaged whole book! A 1909 copy of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure. SSW researchers hypothesized that they could use electrons to actually read the book within the SEM.
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Using Micro-CT in the Electronics Industry

SSW researchers are leveraging non-destructive methods, such as Micro-CT, to analyze and image sensitive electronics. Integrated circuit (IC) micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) chips are tiny electronic mechanical sensors and actuators that solve a wide variety of modern problems. Their utilization is very popular and their use is expanding with time:...
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Low-Voltage FESEM Imaging of Biofilms

Carlos Munoz, Ph.D. a candidate in the chemical and biochemical engineering department (Western University), used our field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) to image his biofilm samples at low accelerating voltages (e.g., 1.5 keV). These low voltages allow very gentle imaging of the cells, and provides very surface sensitive analyses. The...
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SSW working with Anthropology on 500 year old Mummies!

SSW researchers are working with members of the Anthropology department (Andrew Nelson and Emy Roberge) to look at the internal structures of 500 year old sacrificial virgin mummy teeth. We examined thin-sections of two teeth from a cemetery associated with a female institution in Farfán on the North Coast of...
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We are using an FE-SEM equipped with an in-chamber nano-indentor to compress tiny pillars

With the in-chamber nano-indentor attachment, SSW staff along with engineer Konrad Mazurkiewicz, are squishing tiny micron sized pillars of metal inside of Dr. Moser’s (Earth Sciences) FE-SEM… live, while we watch! These are in-situ experiments that are actually occurring inside the SEM. Typically people just use the SEM to observe...
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Investigating a developing mouse skull using Micro-CT

Surface Science Western and Alyssa Moore (Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Western Ontario) are using Micro-CT to image and analyze the bones and cartilages of developing mouse skulls to better understand skull development in normal and disrupted conditions. Alyssa aims to compare normally developed mouse...
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See how SSW’s work is being utilized in the identification of microplastics in the environment using FTIR spectroscopy!

Our work with Ariel Smith through Coastal Action has been highlighted in CBC’s As it Happens and CBC News article. Also see our microplastics page on the characterization of microplastics by FTIR spectroscopy: www.surfacesciencewestern.com/industrial-solutions/characterizationmicroplastics/”
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Use of Micro-CT with an in-situ Compression Testing Unit to Evaluate Responses of 3D Printed Elastomer Structures to Pressure

SSW recently installed a Zeiss Xradia 410 Versa Micro-CT and a Deben CT500 mechanical testing unit (soon to be upgraded to CT5000). With this instrument, SSW scientist Dr. Heng-Yong Nie has been collaborating with the research group of Professor Yu Liu at Jiangnan University to develop analytical approaches to understanding...
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Rust Revealed – Video of On-Going Research

Electrochemistry group member Thalia Standish has qualified for the Top 75 @NSERC_CRSNG Science, Action! video contest. This video highlights some of her work and the work being done in the group. The 25 videos that get the most views between February 6 and March 2 will move on to the...
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Special Issue in Surface and Interface Analysis: Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Surface Science Western

In 2016, Surface Science Western celebrated 35 years of research in the surface sciences and service and support to industries. As part of the celebration we have worked with Surface and Interface Analysis for the last two years towards a special issue of a collection of 19 articles from authors...
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