Kleberg Advanced Microscopy Center (KAMC)

The Kleberg Advanced Microscopy Center (KAMC) core is an open access facility that provides state-of-the-art technology in electron microscopy and advanced material characterization to support world-class research in nanotechnology, biology, chemistry, and materials sciences.

The Center features world-class instrumentation, including Helenita – the first aberration-corrected electron microscope installed in the United States that can see and chemically identify individual atoms, a Focused Ion Beam (FIB) instrument for TEM sample preparation, and 3-D imaging & chemical mapping via serial slicing and various SEMs. KAMC also supports analytical studies and characterization of nanoscale systems via high-resolution, multi-functional X-ray diffraction Spectroscopy (Panalytical Empyrean), Raman Spectroscopy, as well as Atomic Force Microscopes.

Our core also features a computational laboratory where students and researchers can analyze images and spectral data using: Gatan Microscopy Suite software (GMS 3), JEMS for image and electron diffraction simulations, ImageJ (Fiji), ASTAR for orientation mapping, ICDD diffraction database, Dragonfly for XRD analysis, and other off-line software that support spectroscopy data analysis tools.

We train researchers on our electron microscopes and other advanced equipment, with the specific goal of producing materials scientists capable of leading analytical and imaging laboratories across the country. Industry users access KAMC facilities for corporate R&D development of micro-electro-mechanical systems, nano-sensors, semiconductors, aerospace, energy, catalysis, and life sciences.