Overview
This workshop aims to provide a broad introduction to the characterisation of materials via electron microscopy and related techniques. Time has been allocated to not only cover a broad range of techniques but to also have hands-on small-group sessions with the instruments. The aim is to provide opportunities for participants to develop a deeper understanding of techniques important to their own work.
Members of the David Cockayne Centre for Electron Microscopy (DCCEM) team will lead sessions on the theory and practice of SEM, FIB, TEM and related analytical techniques such as EDX and EBSD. Background physics, technical aspects, best practice and experimental workflows will be covered. Small group sizes will enable participants to get hands-on and facilitate open group discussion.
Location: David Cockayne Centre for Electron Microscopy, Department of Materials, University of Oxford
Format: In-person, max 8 attendees
Costs:
£200 with accommodation
£80 without accommodation
The cost of the event will include accommodation (if booked), a course dinner, catering during the event and the cost of the training.
Background and Motivation
Materials characterisation is crucial in scientific workflows, providing a bridge between material synthesis, processing and the physical and chemical properties of materials and devices. Electron microscopy is a broad area, with many sub-disciplines, each requiring a high degree of knowledge to make the most of them. The event aims to give users an introduction to the field of electron microscopy with specific focus on the key techniques and methods.
Audience
The workshop is aimed at researchers from higher education institutions, in the early stages of making use of electron microscopy in their own research. It is also appropriate with those who already have some experience and wish to learn about techniques outside of their current involvement.
Workshop attendees are encouraged to discuss their own specimens of interest and submit details prior to the workshop. A range of specimens can be incorporated into the workshop practical programme, however it is likely that there will not be scope to analyse specimens from all attendees.
Learning Outcomes
After the course the participants should be able to:
- Design EM characterisation workflows with best practice in mind
- Follow established guidance for running EM characterisation experiments
- Be in a position to analyse the data derived from EM characterisation
- Select appropriate facilities at Royce partners for materials characterisation work.
Programme
Trainers
- Prof. Neil Young – University of Oxford
- Dr Phani Karamched – University of Oxford
- Dr Gareth Hughes – University of Oxford
- Dr Gerardo Martinez – University of Oxford
July 17 2025
