The Microstructural Analysis Unit (MAU) is a centralised large equipment facility within the Faculty of Science that was established in 1993 to underpin high quality research and support a broad range of postgraduate and undergraduate teaching programs. This Centre of Expertise (COE) provides researchers in both the physical and biological sciences with access to a comprehensive array of state-of-the-art analytical microscopy tools as well as materials analysis and fabrication equipment. Research expertise and advanced training are also provided in advanced microscopy and materials characterisation techniques by a highly experienced team of resident professional staff.

Industry engagement is a key function of the Centre. This interaction involves focused research projects and technique development, problem solving and fee-for-service analysis in addition to training industry staff in microscopy and materials characterisation. The Centre currently has a large industry user base which it aims to expand by the strategic acquisition of state-of-the-art instrumentation and the development and training of its staff in cutting-edge imaging and micro-analytical techniques.

The Centre maintains and develops a number of unique, world-class imaging and microcharacterisation capabilities, such as advanced scanning cathodoluminescence microscopy and microanalysis facilities, spectral x-ray mapping and microanalysis systems, an electron back-scatter diffraction facility, ultra high resolution SEM and bio-SPM microscopy. Particular research strengths of the MAU include: microcharacterisation of the optical and electrical properties of nano-phase materials and nano-structures; luminescence studies of technologically important opto-electronic materials and devices; variable pressure scanning electron microscopy; SPM and SEM imaging of fully hydrated biological samples and high speed quantitative x-ray mapping.

The MAU annually registers over 110 users working on over 90 separate research projects. The centre has also established strong strategic research links involving collaborative research programs and the exchange of postgraduate students with a number of international Universities and Laboratories such as the Technical University of Berlin, University of Sherbrooke, Polish Institute of Physics, State University of New York Albany as well as Australian Universities including ANU, Macquarie University, UWA, UQ and UNSW.

Instrumentation in the MAU currently comprises of six scanning electron microscopes (Zeiss Supra 55VP VPSEM, FEI Quanta 200 ESEM, FEI XL30 ESEM, JEOL 6300F, JEOL 35CF and JEOL 35C), five scanning probe microscopes (Digital Instruments 3100, Digital Instruments Multimode, Digital Instruments Bioscope, Nanonics NSOM and an Easyscan Scanning Tunneling Microscope, a X-ray diffractometer and a broad array of optical spectrometers and materials deposition systems.

The MAU is currently undergoing a major refit to house all of its staff and research resources in modern facilities. A key goal of this project is to create a nexus within the Faculty of Science for multidisciplinary research between UTS researchers as well as with industry and to expand the Centre’s user base, particularly in the biosciences.

Location (Currently closed for renovation):
Level 1, Building 4, Cnr Thomas & Harris Sts, Ultimo, NSW 2007