Groundbreaking Superstem Microscope Opened At Daresbury Laboratory

The science minister, Lord Sainsbury, will today open the highest resolution analytical microscope in the world at the CCLRC Daresbury Laboratory in Cheshire. The SuperSTEM (Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope) project is directed by Professor Peter Goodhew at Liverpool University and involves other scientists from the Universities of Liverpool, Cambridge, Glasgow and Leeds.

The microscope is housed in a new purpose-built low-vibration laboratory at the Daresbury Laboratory and will be followed by a second instrument in 2004. The state of the art microscopes will aid in the development of nanomaterials such as novel catalysts, electronic and optical devices (for example using quantum dots) and new magnetic recording media. These materials will have an impact on industries as diverse as pollution control and drug delivery.

Lord Sainsbury said in advance of the opening, “The SuperSTEM project brings universities and a national laboratory together to provide a world-class research facility. The potential applications arising from the research it supports will be of great benefit to society, and demonstrate the importance of investing in scientific excellence. As the main investor in scientific research, the Government is keen for the UK to retain its position as one of the world leaders, and has therefore substantially increased its science spending over the last few years. World-class facilities such as SuperSTEM are essential if we are to stay at the cutting edge of research.”

SuperSTEM microscopes can analyse single atoms and columns of atoms using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and electron energy loss analysis (EELS). Advances in computing and instrument development have made possible the correction of spherical aberration in the objective lens of the microscope, a key technological breakthrough. The images and analytical results from the SuperSTEM microscopes will be viewed by scientists all over the world via the internet.

Awarded as part of the NW Science Review, the total investment in the project is about £4.5M over 5 years. It is expected to benefit the industrial environment of the North West of England, providing opportunities for wealth creation among the industrial companies in the region and beyond.