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Biosciences building
JEOL Imaging Centre

The imaging centre houses a TEM and two SEMs, facilities for on-site sample preparation and trained technical support. This centre is open to internal and external users from a range of backgrounds.

Interested in using the facilities? Please contact us.

Email
[email protected]

What you can do here

The JEOL Imaging Centre supports researchers working across Biology, Chemistry, Geology and beyond. With capabilities in investigating ultra structures of biological tissue, characterising nanoparticles, or mapping the elemental composition of a material, our instruments and preparation facilities produce the resolution and analytical depth to help facilitate your research.

Surface morphology imaging
High-resolution SEM imaging of surface structure across biological tissues, polymers, metals, and nanomaterials.
Ultrathin section imaging (TEM)
Ultrathin section imaging (TEM)
Elemental & compositional analysis
Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) enables real-time elemental mapping and compositional characterisation of your sample.
Nanoparticle characterisation
Size, morphology, and distribution analysis of nanoparticles for drug delivery, catalysis, and materials research.
Low-vacuum & uncoated samples
Both SEMs offer low-vacuum modes, allowing imaging of uncoated, hydrated, or non-conductive samples without full preparation.
On-site sample preparation
Full preparation including sputter coating, ultramicrotomy, and chemical drying supported by technical staff.

Our Equipment

Scanning Electron Microscope – JEOL IT700-HR FEG-SEM with EDS

Our most advanced SEM, featuring a field emission gun system with integrated Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) for real-time elemental mapping alongside high-resolution surface imaging.

Resolution: 1.0 nm  

Magnification: up to 600,000× Voltage: 0.5–30 kV

Max specimen: 200 mm ⌀, 75 mm height

Low-vacuum mode: 1.8 nm

Real-time EDS 

Scanning Electron Microscope – JEOL 6010LV SEM 

An accessible tungsten filament SEM with a straightforward interface, this model is suited for users both new to electron microscopy, and experienced microscopists. 

Resolution: 4.0 nm

Magnification: up to 300,000× Voltage: 0.5–20 kV

Max specimen: 152 mm ⌀, 49 mm height

Low-vacuum mode: 5.0 nm 

Transmission Electron Microscope – JEOL 1400 Flash TEM

Our TEM delivers sub-nanometre resolution imaging of internal ultrastructure, ideal for biological sections prepared by ultramicrotomy, as well as nanoparticles and materials samples.

Resolution: 0.2 nm

Magnification: 10× to 1,200,000×

Voltage: 10–120 kV 

Sample Preperation

Successful electron microscopy depends on good sample preparation. The biology department offers dedicated equipment alongside the microscopes, and technical staff who can advise on the most appropriate workflow for your sample type.

Currently available by prior arrangement – please contact us before planning use.

Quorum E300 Critical Point Dryer

  • Removes water from biological samples whilst preserving three-dimensional structure

  • Prevents surface tension artefacts, important for delicate tissues

Quorum Q150R Sputter Coater

  • Applies a thin conductive metal coating (gold, gold/palladium) to non-conductive samples for SEM
  • Also supports carbon coating for EDS compositional work
  • Essential for biological and polymer SEM samples 

Leica Leica EM UC7 Ultramicrotome

  • Produces ultrathin sections (50–100 nm) from resin-embedded samples
  • Essential for TEM imaging of cellular ultrastructure
  • Suitable for biological tissue, polymers, and composite materials 

Chemical Drying

Chemical alternatives to critical point drying for SEM sample preparation are available, and suitable for a wide range of biological samples. Please enquire for specific chemical drying protocols.

Get in touch

Email
[email protected]
Phone
01695 584222
Edge Hill JEOL Imaging Centre Bioscience Building
Edge Hill University, St Helens Road Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP, UK