New transmitting electron microscope expands research capacity

Research capabilities are expanding at the Franceschi Microscopy and Imaging Center (FMIC) thanks to the installation of a new scanning transmission electron microscope. The $2.5 million instrument will support significant research and education efforts across much of the WSU enterprise. Funding for the transmission electron microscope (TEM) and related equipment was made possible through a congressionally directed spending request supported by U.S. Sen. Patty Murray.

"It's a completely new level of what we can do in the microscopy center," said Michael Knoblauch, director of the FMIC and professor in the School of Biological Sciences. "This type of equipment is almost specifically built for us. It took nine months to build it in Japan and another five months to install it here."

Transmission electron microscopy is an imaging technique that utilizes high-energy electron beams to visualize minute objects down to the atomic scale. While traditional microscopes use visible light to look at samples, TEMs have roughly 1,000 times greater resolution due to the smaller wavelengths of electrons versus visible light.

The impact of the new equipment extends well beyond a single lab or discipline.

"This investment strengthens the entire WSU research enterprise," said Kim Christen, vice president for research. "By expanding access to cutting-edge capabilities, we are enabling researchers across disciplines and campuses to pursue more ambitious questions, compete more effectively for external funding, and accelerate the translation of discovery into real-world impact."

The new TEM will provide both greater imaging resolution and higher imaging speeds, capturing 80 images per second, a vast improvement over current equipment at the FMIC that can only scan one image every four seconds. The instrument is also equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, which detects the unique signal emitted by each element during scanning and allows researchers to identify those elements atom by atom.

"Mapping the elements of the atoms in your sample is highly important for materials scientists who are developing new alloys," said Knoblauch. "You need an electron microscope in order to see the crystal structures and defects in engineered materials." Knoblauch's own work in plant cell biology, biophysics, and nanotechnology will be also enhanced by the new instruments, which are sensitive enough to scan living organic cells without using a heavy-metal staining process common in other laboratory environments.

The new microscope will also impact the student experience, as the FMIC provides hands-on credit for students through two operational classes every semester.

"The research capabilities are astounding, but so are the training opportunities for our students," said College of Arts and Sciences Dean Courtney Meehan. "WSU has become one of the main educators on electron microscopy operation in the nation. We are ensuring that our graduates are prepared to enter the workforce of our advanced industry partners, while advancing scientific discovery." In the past 10 years, the FMIC has trained more than 1,000 operators on electron microscopy and high-end imaging.

"I was well into my postdoctoral training before I was allowed to operate an electron microscope," said Knoblauch. "Having equipment like this is crucial because our students go on to work for companies like Intel and Boeing, which rely on in-house electron microscopy for quality control. They need people who are able to operate these machines while understanding the background and preparation needed for sample analysis."

Learn more about the Franceschi Microscopy and Imaging Center, including information about consultations and service rates.