Research Centers

Microscopy and Microanalysis Research Laboratory

  • College of Science and Mathematics

The Microscopy and Microanalysis Research Laboratory provides basic to advanced training in all aspects of TEM and SEM. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) uses a particle beam of electrons through specimens to generate a highly-magnified visualization. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) produces images of a sample by scanning the surface with a focused beam of electrons. We cover the full process from specimen preparation to tissue thick/thin sectioning. We host formal semester long courses offered by the College of Science and Mathematics for advanced undergraduate and graduate students. This provides invaluable skills using SEM and TEM students can apply to their research projects.

Microscopy and Microanalysis Research Laboratory
wul@montclair.edu
973-655-2028
Center for Environmental & Life Sciences Suite 101
Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
student using microscope

Users

Faculty members, students, post-doctorates, visiting scientists and research staff at Montclair State University or external research institutions and industrial clients are all MMRL Users.

Personal use of microscopes is open only to those taking a training or academic credit course in electron microscopy. Non-qualified users operating equipment will result in loss of access to the facility.

All students and researchers from the University whose work requires the use of one or more microscopes and support equipment are encouraged to receive training of the instruments and to do their own work.

These users consist of researchers and industrial users who have only a limited need for the facilities. Arrangements are made by the Director of the MMRL and the majority of the work will be performed by MMRL staff.

A researcher must be trained by the MMRL Director, Co-directors, or EM related course instructors.

Learners will use the instruments during the regular operating hours of the MMRL after being trained. Work will be supervised by a qualified instructor

These users have access to the instruments without direct supervision during the regular operating hours of the MMRL. They are expected to demonstrate an ability to operate the instrument properly and to understand instrument operation well enough to recognize problems when they arise

These users are authorized by the MMRL Director or Co-Directors to have access to the MMRL Lab whenever needed or desired. They are expected to be familiar enough with the operation of the instrument to troubleshoot problems (such as beam alignment, sample charge-up, etc.)

Reservations

All University affiliated users for SEM, TEM and confocal microscopes must make a reservation. This ensures access to better management of the microscopes by those in the group. Before users first schedule a microscope, you must be added to the MMRL user list. This can be done by contacting the Director, Laying Wu. You will receive a confirmation email once you’ve been added.

  1. View your Montclair Google Calendar account – Log in with your Montclair State University email, NetID@montclair.edu and password. You should see the microscopy calendar(s) listed under Other Calendars on the bottom of the left menu.
  2. Add a reservation by pressing the Create button on the top left.
    1. Title format – [First Name] [Last Name] – [Yes/No if assistance is needed]
    2. Select the date and time you would like to use the microscope
    3. Select the calendar that corresponds to the microscope you intend to use from the Calendar dropdown menu
    4. Choosing your Microscope.
      1. On the right select Rooms etc.
      2. Search “MMRL” in the search box.
      3. Unselect the show only available checkbox.
      4. Click on the Asset tab and select the microscope you wish to reserve.
    5. When complete, click the Save button on the top left of the page.
  3. You should see your reservation posted on that calendar for the designated date and time you entered.

Director

Laying Wu

  • Electron Microscopy Specialist/Lab Director
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Committee

1/

Affiliated Faculty

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Training

To meet the varied needs of potential users of the instruments and facilities of the MMRL, the MMRL staff provide instruction and on-site operational training. This will cover all aspects of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), from specimen preparation to tissue thick/thin sectioning. Both instrumental operation and specimen preparation training will be offered as requested to faculty, postdoctoral researchers, technicians and graduate students. On-site training courses for new and experienced users are available upon request in the EM imaging facilities. For training or assistance the researcher should contact the MMRL Director, Laying Wu, a week or two (the earlier the better) prior to needing the microscopy work.

Instrumental operation training

Intended to teach the fundamentals of instrument operation

Specimen preparation training

Learn specific aspects of specimen preparation that are related to their research programs

Anyone scheduled to use the MMRL facilities is expected to do so at the assigned time. If one cannot come to the MMRL or the sample is not ready, contact the EM staff in advance to cancel the reservation. Repeatedly missing your appointment time may lead to privileges for use of the MMRL facilities to be restricted.

Lab Safety

To reduce injuries, prevent abuse and damage to equipment and to maintain a healthy environment in the lab, the EM users have to obey the following basic precautionary steps:

  1. Food and drink are not allowed in any EM lab environment. Keep food and drinks away from equipment, electrical outlets and out of the labs. In the event any spills make sure all equipment is unplugged and in the off position before attempting to remove or clean up the spill.
  2. Dispose of all chemical waste properly. Check any guidelines for disposal of chemicals and solutions before discarding.
  3. Never mix chemicals in sink drains.
  4. Properly label all specimen or chemical containers. Be sure to include shelf life and/or expiration date.
  5. Properly store all supplies. Do not leave on any work surface when not in use.
  6. Clear all surface areas before and after use.
  7. Clear all aisles to allow easy navigation, particularly in the case of a fire or emergency, and to prevent any mishaps such as tripping or slipping accidents.
  8. Wear safety gear and eye protection, when necessary.
  9. Do not block any fire exits, windows or other egresses.
  10. Do not block access to fire extinguishers, eye washes or safety showers.

Rates

Hourly charges for internal, external academic and external industrial users will be calculated for the equipment's maintenance and supply costs.

ServiceInternal Academic Research User RatesExternal Academic Research User RatesExternal Non-Academic User Rates
Equipment and Support (cost per hour)
Hitachi S-3400N VP SEM$30.00$50.00$150.00
Hitachi H-7500 TEM$30.00$50.00$150.00
Nikon C2 CLSM$30.00$50.00$150.00
Technical support and labor service$50.00$100.00$100.00
Microtomy (cost per sample)
Thick sectioning$30.00$40.00$60.00
Ultrathin sectioning$40.00$50.00$80.00
Auxiliary Instruments (cost per run)
Critical point drying CO2 and cylinder costs$30.00$50.00$60.00
Sputter coating metal target, Argon and cylinder costs$30.00$50.00$60.00
Carbon evaporation coating$30.00$50.00$60.00
Sample Preparation (cost per sample)
Biological samples for SEM conventional fixation and dehydration$30.00$40.00$70.00
Biological samples for TEM fixation, dehydration, infiltration and embedding in resin$40.00$50.00$100.00
Tissue samples preparation and paraffin embedding$40.00$50.00$100.00
Negative staining or double staining$15.00$20.00$20.00
Histochemical staining H and E stain$30.00$40.00$70.00
Supplies (cost per each)
Grid box$12.00$12.00 
Regular carbon coated TEM grid$3.00$3.00 

Failure to make payments may result in loss of privileges in the MMRL until the charge is paid.

Electron Microscopy Courses

We host formal semester-long courses offered by the College of Science and Mathematics for advanced undergraduate students and graduate students using SEM and TEM in their thesis research, and on-site training for new users. Summer courses, workshops, seminars and demonstrations are in development.

Catalog Courses

Special courses and certificated programs may also be offered during Winter or Summer session. Contact Dr. Laying Wu for additional information.

Basic theory and practice of electron microscopy. Specimen preparation, ultramicrotomy, microscopy, photographic preparation of final print, operation of the TEM and interpretation of results. 4 sh.

Introduction to the theory and practice of scanning electron microscopy including specimen preparation, beam-specimen interactions, and operation of the SEM. 4 sh.

An in-depth laboratory-oriented course in SEM Imaging and energy dispersive spectroscopy, qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis, and x-ray mapping. 3 sh.

Outreach Program

The Microscopy and Microanalysis Research Laboratory is happy to provide tours to K-12 groups, higher education groups and the general New Jersey community. Variable-length tours can include instrument demonstrations for elementary through college level visitors based on time allotment and the number of visitors.

Resources

Microscopy Learning

Microscopy Societies and Email Lists