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NUANCE Northwestern University’s A N Winter 201 C E im enta l …€¦ · of nanoscale science...

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NUANCE Northwestern University’s Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization In this issue: Letter from the Founding Director 1 NUANCE Visitors for 2014 8 NUANCE Center Overview 2 Selected Staff Publications 9 The Electron Probe Instrumentation Center (EPIC) 3 NUANCE Staff News 11 Keck Interdisciplinary Surface Science facility (Keck-II) 5 NUANCE Image Gallery Finalists – Fall 2014 12 Scanned Probe Imaging and Development (SPID) facility 5 Technological Institute J-Wing Construction Update 14 NUANCE Events for 2014 6 Experimental Center Winter 2015
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Page 1: NUANCE Northwestern University’s A N Winter 201 C E im enta l …€¦ · of nanoscale science and technology characterization needs at nanoscale by providing state-of-the-art resources

NUANCE

Northwestern University’sAtomic and Nanoscal e Characterization

In this issue: Letter from the Founding Director 1 NUANCE Visitors for 2014 8

NUANCE Center Overview 2 Selected Staff Publications 9

The Electron Probe Instrumentation Center (EPIC) 3 NUANCE Staff News 11

Keck Interdisciplinary Surface Science facility (Keck-II) 5 NUANCE Image Gallery Finalists – Fall 2014 12

Scanned Probe Imaging and Development (SPID) facility 5 Technological Institute J-Wing Construction Update 14

NUANCE Events for 2014 6

Exper imental Center Winter 201 5

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Letter from the Founding Director Dear friends and colleagues,

I am delighted to welcome you to the inaugural edition of our NUANCE newsletter, Inner Space. This is the first of our biannual newsletters, designed to keep you informed about developments and happenings at NUANCE. I hope you will find it informative as well as enjoyable. I welcome your feedback, comments and suggestions -- not just on this newsletter but about NUANCE overall. We are always looking for ways to improve and enhance NUANCE.

NUANCE is an open-access research, education and collaborative center and home to three distinct yet coordinated and synergistic facilities: EPIC, Keck-II, and SPID. This being the inaugural issue, you will find a basic introduction to NUANCE and our facilities in this newsletter.

In the almost dozen years since our inception, we have witnessed phenomenal scholarly output that has occurred in or made use of our facilities. Over the course of our dozen years of existence, we have seen the center grow in size, quality and diversity of our activities. We started with just 3 major pieces of equipment, and now we have 25 major electron, ion, photon/optical, x-ray and atomic force microscopes, spectrometers and related instruments. We also house over 25 state-of-the-art sample preparation instruments.

Our user base has grown from ~120 to over 775 researchers. The number of affiliated faculty members has expanded from ~25 to 108, and associated departments/centers have increased from 5 to 15. Construction in the new “J-Wing” of the Technological Institute, which is scheduled to open December 2015, will provide much needed space for us to grow and provide additional capabilities.

NUANCE is now fully interwoven into the very scholarly fabric of Northwestern and our collaborating institutions. Our technical staff members not only provide laboratory instructions and training/assistance to the users but serve as able and effective collaborators in your specialized needs for characterization across the NUANCE facilities. With many years of hands-on experience in subtleties and nuances (!) of instrumentation and diverse techniques, our technical staff can assist you in the most difficult characterization needs. So please keep us in mind for your challenging problems.

NUANCE facilities are deeply integrated into many teaching and curricular offerings; ranging from hands-on laboratory offerings of formal courses to numerous “demo’s” that we offer to many departmental courses and “open houses”. Our outreach efforts encompass not only regional public institutions such as the Chicago museums and Northwestern initiatives but truly reach out to global partners. With increasing global connectivity, we expect continued growth in our global collaborations and partnerships.

We value all our stake-holders; from users to administrators to investigators, and think of you as integral members of our extended family. If you would like to learn more about our NUANCE Center, I invite you to contact our dedicated staff and find out what NUANCE can do for you.

As I often say – “we may not help you do a lot of the research you do at NUANCE, but we certainly help you do all of the research you do at NUANCE, better”.

Wishing you a productive and successful 2015!

Vinayak P. Dravid Director, NUANCE Center

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NUANCE Center Overview NUANCE was established in 2001 by Professor Vinayak P. Dravid of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, who serves as both its founding and current Director. NUANCE has three complementary characterization facilities: Electron Probe Instrumentation Center (EPIC), originally established in 1995 under NU Materials Research Center; Scanned Probe Imaging and Development (SPID) facility, created in 2001 under NU-NSEC (now IIN) and the State of Illinois; and Keck Interdisciplinary Surface Science facility (Keck-II), launched in 2001 with a grant from the W. H. Keck Foundation. The NUANCE Center has grown to 25 major instruments, with ~108 faculty affiliates across three schools (McCormick, WCAS and FMS) and ~775 unique users. We are integrated and deeply interwoven into the scholarly fabric of NU and the region. The Mission of NUANCE NUANCE’s mission is to provide and continually update state-of-the-art and core analytical characterization instrumentation resources, with 24/7 open access, for all of Northwestern University and beyond. The word “resources” includes not only mere “instrumentation and access,” but also hands-on training, education, research collaboration and outreach. NUANCE aspires to be a pro-active and integral part of all scholarly activities related to characterization at and beyond Northwestern University.

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The Electron Probe Instrumentation Center (EPIC)

EPIC continues to provide exceptional research opportunities with its dedicated, professional staff and state-of-the-art instrumentation. EPIC is part of the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at Northwestern University, housing one of the most complete arsenals of routine and state-of-the-art electron microscopes in the world. EPIC also receives some support from the International Institute for Nanotechnology's (IIN) NSF-sponsored Nanoscale Science & Engineering Center (NSEC) at Northwestern University, as well as from the State of Illinois and Northwestern. Experienced staff members are on-hand to train and assist users with the microscopes and the sample preparation techniques. Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM's)

The EPIC Lab houses an impressive array of 5 Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM's), each with its own specialized set of capabilities. From 1nm resolution imaging, to x-ray microanalysis (EDS), to imaging of pristine materials, to electron beam lithography, the EPIC Lab can help with your sample. An extensive sample preparation facility exists that aids EPIC's users in optimal sample imaging. Detailed information about surface morphology, size/shape analysis, local chemistry, crystallography/texture can be obtained with our scanning electron microscopes.

Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM's)

Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM)s offer the opportunity to probe the crystal structure, defects, local chemistry, electronic structure, and related information at a nanometer-or-less length scale. This allows one to view individual atoms to identify grain boundaries and other imperfections in a specimen. The EPIC facility houses four advanced transmission electron microscopes, along with a complete array of specimen preparation tools.

Organelles play a key role in the life cycle of a cell. The above images feature a pair of centrioles (left) and a Golgi body (right) found in a Small Follicle Oocyte from an embryonic mouse ovary. Centrioles play a key role in cellular division, and the Golgi functions to package and sort proteins throughout the cell.

Assembly of gold nanoprisms and nanospheres (gold) with salt residue, by Ben Myers (NUANCE).

Future SEM Instrumentation & Capabilities - Raith ELPHY MultiBeam Ion and Electron Beam lithography system for FEI Helios

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EPIC (cont.)

Techniques we routinely work on include but are not limited to:

• Bright Field (BF) and Dark Field (DF) • Selected-Area Diffraction (SAD) • High-Resolution TEM (HRTEM) • Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction

(CBED) • Scanning TEM (STEM) • Cellular Morphology and Ultrastructure

• Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) Spectroscopy

• Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) • Energy-Filtered TEM (EFTEM) • Tomography • In-situ (heating, cooling, indentation,

electrical property, and gas injection)

BioCryo Facility The BioCryo Facility offers expertise and assistance for Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis of biological and soft samples. We handle specimens from different fields of research, including life sciences, materials science, and other disciplines.

There is a growing demand for methods that allow observation of samples in a pristine state, i.e. unaffected by chemical fixation, dehydration-, drying, and other preparation procedures. Currently, this condition can only be achieved with cryogenic sample preparation techniques and cryo electron microscopy. Samples we are working with include, but are not limited to: tissues, cells, bacteria, suspensions of molecules and particles, molecular clusters,

liposomes, nanoparticles, hydrogels, polymers, and other nanoconstructs.

Future TEM Instrumentation & Capabilities - In situ Gas-heating TEM holder

New TEM Instrumentation & Capabilities - Fischione NanoMill Model 1040 Vacuum Atmospheres Company glove box

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Cryo STEM: Liposomes with Pt/As cores were plunge frozen and observed with the STEM in cryo mode at -150° C.

Cryo SEM: Experiment showing niobium hydrides at cryogenic temperatures. The image was taken at -136° C.

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Keck Interdisciplinary Surface Science facility (Keck-II)

The Keck-II Center was established in late 2001 through the support of the W. M. Keck Foundation. Keck-II also has received some support from Northwestern's Institute for Nanotechnology's NSF-sponsored Nanoscale Science & Engineering Center (NSEC) as well as from the State of IL and Northwestern. Keck-II facilitates research, collaboration, education and outreach in all science from soft biological matter to hard physical matter, specializing in surface analysis and nano-scale characterization.

Keck-II hosts Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Confocal Raman System, High Resolution Stylus Profilometer, 3D Optical Microscope, Spectroscopic Ellipsometer, and Zetasizer. Keck-II is open to all the faculty and students at Northwestern University as well as the researchers at the nearby academic institutions and related industrial companies. The Keck-II Center operates and functions like its sister facilities (SPID and EPIC)-based on the core philosophy of open-access, hand-on training, collaboration and assistance from our able staff. Training is offered on a periodic basis, both as “crash courses” or part of hands-on structured courses, as well as individual ad-hoc training as need arises.

Scanned Probe Imaging and Development (SPID) facility

SPID was created to drive interdisciplinary research bridging the gap between hard nanostructures, soft materials, biological sciences, quantitative mechanical and electrical analysis and nanopatterning. SPID provides a wide range of imaging instrumentation and support facilities for atomic to molecular imaging. It supports a broad range of nanoscale science and technology characterization needs at nanoscale by providing state-of-the-art resources coupled with expert staff. Research at SPID encompasses physical and chemical sciences, engineering and life sciences, and has a strong inter-disciplinary emphasis. Every week, several new users coming from NU campuses, academia, industry, and government laboratories learn to use tools available in the center to carry out their research projects. The instruments in SPID include: Bruker BioScope Catalyst, Bruker Dimension FastScan AFM, Bruker Dimension ICON PT System, Hysitron 950 Triboindenter, and the HORIBA LabRAM HR Evolution Confocal RAMAN System.

Surface elemental analysis of indium foil

Images taken with the Bruker Dimension ICON PT System

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NUANCE Events in 2014

The NUANCE Center hosted a series of successful informative, educational and social events in 2014.

October 28, 2014 NUANCE Special Presentation Cook Hall, MSE Conference Room Dr. Tom Isabell, Director, TEM Division, JEOL USA gave a presentation on the JEOL ARM200CF and ARM300CF.

September 24, 2014 Stylus & Optical Metrology Workshop: Theory & Applications of contact and non-contact profilers Norris University Center, Northwestern Room The NUANCE Center, MRSEC, and Bruker Nano Surfaces hosted technical presentations and live demonstrations of the Dektak 150 stylus profiler and the ContourGT-K non-contact optical 3D profiler.

September 18, 2014 2014 NUANCE Fest Cook Hall, 1st Floor Atrium The NUANCE Center hosted another successful NUANCE Fest. Graduate students enjoyed pizza and pop, while learning from our staff about the NUANCE Center facilities, our high-tech instruments, techniques and the atomic, molecular and nano-scale research that happens in our center. Attendees also had a chance to see our new image gallery in Cook Hall, 1st floor, and had an opportunity to tour our facilities!

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NUANCE Events in 2014 (cont.) August 3-7, 2014 Microscopy & Microanalysis 2014 Meeting Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT M&M 2014 is a unique community of scientists and technology providers from a wide variety of fields, from all over the world. NUANCE had a booth at the meeting with staff on hand to answer questions about our facilities, instrumentation, and opportunities.

March 18, 2014 X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) Workshop Norris University Center, Louis Room (South) The NUANCE Center, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and NU-MRSEC presented an X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) Workshop. There was a huge turnout, with more than 80 attendees! The workshop was conducted by Dr. Brian R. Strohmeier, Senior Applications Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific, followed by XPS demos in the Keck-II facility.

January 28, 2014 Ultraviolet Photoelectron Spectroscopy (UPS) Workshop Norris University Center, Lake Room The NUANCE Center and Thermo Fisher Scientific hosted a UPS Workshop, conducted by Dr. Sylvie Rangan, Rutgers University, followed by UPS demos in the Keck-II facility.

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NUANCE Visitors in 2014

The dedicated staff of the NUANCE Center conducted many group tours in 2014 for outreach and education. Some of the tours included:

• 94 high school students from the American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS).

• Glenbrook South (GBS) High School students.

• Scientists and staff from Motorola Mobility.

• Students from Attea Middle School and Springman Middle School.

• Over 100 high school teachers, who toured our center as part of the Northwestern University's 3rd Annual Biotechnology Symposium.

• Over 50 high school teachers from Lindblom Math and Science Academy, Von Steuben Metro Science Academy, Solorio Academy, Evanston Township High School for Northwestern University’s BioTech Day.

• More than 40 representatives from various sectors of industry toured our center as part of the Northwestern University Industrial Research Institute (IRI) regional event, which was hosted by the NU Corporate Engagement Office. The visitors came from the following companies: O. Smith Corporation, Archer Daniels Midland, Argonne National Laboratory, Bostik, Inc., Creata, EAG, Elevance Renewable Sciences, Mars, Nokia, PolyOne, S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc., Stepan Company, USG Corporation, and Valspar Corporation.

• 50 high school students from Lindblom Math and Science Academy, Von Steuben Metro Science Academy, Solorio Academy, and Evanston Township High School, who were here for BioTech Day.

• 27 undergraduate students from the Universidad Panamericana in Mexico City, Mexico, hosted by the NU International Program Development

• 40 students from Upward Bound, and event hosted by MRSEC.

• Undergraduates who were part of the ChemEXCEL program, sponsored by the NU Searle Center for Advancing Learning and Teaching

• Many prospective students from various departments and programs.

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Selected Staff Publications

Thermoresponsive Magnetic Hydrogels as Theranostic Nanoconstructs, by Manish K. Jaiswal, Mrinmoy De, Stanley S. Chou, Shaleen Vasavada, Reiner Bleher, Pottumarthi V. Prasad, Dhirendra Bahadur, and Vinayak P. Dravid, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces 2014, 6, 6237-6247, (09 April 2014) Two main challenges in cancer treatment are the delivery of drugs into cancer cells, and the release of drugs inside of cancer cells in order to eliminate them. In this study, it was demonstrated that 12 nm small magnetic iron oxide particles, which are encapsulated in a hydrogel, can be used for this purpose. The hydrogel can be functionalized for uptake into cancer cells, and it can be loaded with anticancer drugs to serve as a carrier for drug delivery. Once taken up by cancer cells, the drugs can be efficiently released inside of the cells by interaction of the magnetic nanoparticles with a radio

frequency (RF) field. It is shown that more than double the amount of drug is released upon exposure to a RF field. An additional useful property of the iron oxide- hydrogel nanoconstructs is their applicability as a contrasting agent for MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). http://pubs.acs.org/doi/ipdf/10.1021/am501067j

Polarized release of T-cell-receptor-enriched microvesicles at the immunological synapse, by Kaushik Choudhuri, Jaime Llodrá, Eric W. Roth, Jones Tsai, Susana Gordo, Kai W. Wucherpfennig, Lance C. Kam, David L. Stokes & Michael L. Dustin, Nature 507, 118–123 (06 March 2014). T-Cells are an important part of the body's immune system. The events that take place to mediate immunity and regulate antibody responses depend on contact between T-Cells and germs. A special junction (immunological synapse) is formed and small bits from the T-Cell known as microvesicles are left behind. These microvesicles play a key role in how the immune system responds to infection. This experiment demonstrated how these microvescilces function both physically and immunologically by correlating fluorescence

light microscopy with electron microscopy. Further structural details of the immunological synapse were revealed in 3D utilizing a technique called electron tomorgraphy. http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature12951.html

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Selected Staff Publications (cont.)

Atomic Resolution Study of Reversible Conversion Reaction in Metal Oxide Electrodes for Lithium-Ion Battery by In-situ TEM, by Langli Luo, Jinsong Wu, Junming Xu, and Vinayak P. Dravid, ACS Nano (22 October 2014). EPIC Researchers Reveal More on Conversion Reaction Mechanism for High-Capacity Lithium-ion Battery

In this work, the initial microstructure evolution to obtain reversible conversion reactions in a lithium-ion electrochemical cell has been experimentally observed at atomic resolution by in-situ TEM. A novel reaction pathway with distinct reaction stages was identified, providing insights into the challenges for developing a high power lithium-ion battery that involve the oxidation and reduction of Li2O. Li-intercalated Co3O4 and amorphous Li-Co-O clusters have been identified as two intermediate phases. The TEM results reveal a network of reduced metal nanoparticles, and their breakdown into ultrafine clusters, which act as catalysts to promote further reduction of Li2O. Such in-situ observations of reaction pathway and conversion and deconversion stages provide new insights into the possibility for oxidation and reduction of Li2O that is needed for further development of high power lithium-air battery. http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/nn504806h

New Methods for Improved Characterization of Silica Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems, by Michael W. Ambrogio, Marco Frasconi, M. Deniz Yilmaz, and Xinqi Chen, Langmuir 29, 15386−15393 (7 November 2013) Over the past decade, numerous drug delivery systems, and other molecular platforms, have been synthesized by decorating the surfaces of silica nanoparticles (SNP) with organic compounds. One of the biggest challenges associated with this field of research is being able to characterize the SNPs in order to ensure that the proper molecules have been attached to the nanoparticle surfaces, and this research addresses that challenge head-on. By utilizing XPS and ToF-SIMS, one is able to obtain an abundance of useful information to determine the nature of the surface functionalization of SNPs. These two analytical techniques are routinely employed in the analysis of surfaces and thin films, but their use in the characterization of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems—and SNPs in particular—is quite rare. Using XPS and ToF-SIMS to characterize SNPs provides several advantages over some of the more traditional analytical techniques, since one is able to obtain qualitative and quantitative information, including elemental data, on

SNPs using a minimal (sub-milligram) amount of material in the solid state, without having to prepare any solutions. Also, it is important to note that both XPS and ToF-SIMS can be used to elucidate information on both organic and inorganic portions of a particular substrate. http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/la402493q

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NUANCE Staff News

Congratulations! The NUANCE Center staff has received the 2014 Outstanding Core Facility Award! Well done!

Eric Miller, Microscopy & Imaging Specialist for EPIC, received fifth place in the 2014 Northwestern Scientific Images Contest, “Capturing the Beauty of Science” for his image “Enamel Crystals”. He used the Hitachi S3400N-II SEM to take the image. The award winning image is on the back cover of this newsletter. Well done Eric!

Welcome New Staff!

Chad Goeser became the new Financial Administrator for the NUANCE Center in June 2014. Originally from Iowa, Chad moved with his family to Evanston in 2012 after enjoying life in the Detroit area for more than a decade. In his free time, Chad is passionate about working for social justice, continuing his studies and spending time with his family.

Dr. Qianqian Li joined NUANCE in August 2014. Her research mainly focuses on the in-situ transmission electron microcopy study for the fundamental science and reaction mechanism of storage materials. She loves climbing hills, going to the theatre, trying new restaurants, and going shopping with her friends.

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L-R: Dr. Jay Walsh (Vice President of Research), Dr. Qianqian Li (Postdoctoral Fellow), Chad Goeser (NUANCE Financial Administrator), Dr. Xin Wang (Postdoctoral Fellow), Raymond Bailey (NUANCE Administrative Coordinator), Mary Pat Doyle (NUANCE Project Coordinator), Eric Miller (Microscopy & Imaging Specialist), Dr. Gajendra Shekhawat (SPID Facility Manager), Ben Myers (EPIC-SEM Manager), Eric W. Roth (Research Technologist), Dr. Mike Ambrogio (Research Associate), Dr. Xinqi Chen (Keck-II Facility Manager), Dr. Tsunenori Nomaguchi (Visiting Research Scholar), Dr. Phil Hockberger (Executive Director of Research Facilities) Not Pictured: Dr. Vinayak Dravid (NUANCE Center Director), Dr. Reiner Bleher (EPIC-BioCryo Manager), Dr. Shuyou Li (EPIC-TEM Manager), Dr. Fengyuan Shi (Postdoctoral Fellow), and Dr. Jinsong Wu (EPIC-TEM) Manager).

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NUANCE Image Gallery Finalists – Fall 2014

Irene Chang Post-Doctoral Fellow Northwestern University Department of Materials Science and Engineering Joester Group IMAGE High pressure-frozen and freeze fractured primary mesenchyme cell from a sea urchin embryo. Taken with the Hitachi S4800 in the NUANCE-EPIC (BioCryo) Facility. Grand Prize Winner

Adam E. Jakus Graduate Student Northwestern University Department of Materials Science and Engineering Shah Group IMAGE SEM micrograph of a severed blood vessel within a 3D-printed Hyperelastic Bone scaffold. At the time of chemical fixation, the vessel was in the middle of bleeding. Red blood cells, as well as a monocyte can be seen. Nerve fibers surround the vessel wall. Taken with the LEO Gemini 1525 in the NUANCE-EPIC (SEM) Facility.

Yu Zhou Graduate Student Northwestern University Department of Materials Science and Engineering Mirkin Group IMAGE An image of polymer dewetting on Si substrate after annealing, while Au nanoparticles are formed. Taken with the Hitachi S4800-II cFEG SEM in the NUANCE-EPIC (SEM) Facility.

Mark Trosper McClendon Graduate Student Northwestern University Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering Stupp Group IMAGE From a High School Outreach project. A gnat eye false colored to look even more awesome. Taken with the Hitachi S4800 in the NUANCE-EPIC (SEM) Facility.

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NUANCE Image Gallery Finalists – Fall 2014 (cont.)

Roshan Abid Undergraduate Student Northwestern University Department of Chemistry Mirkin Group IMAGE The image is of regrown gold nanoprisms. The gold prisms shaded red have zero corner truncations, while blue, green, and purple correspond to one, two, and three corner truncations, respectively. Taken with the Hitachi H-8100 in the NUANCE-EPIC (TEM) Facility.

Mary Brown Senior Research Specialist University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine IMAGE High Resolution Confocal Images of S1P and thrombin differentially altered F-actin structure in human pulmonary endothelium cells (Lung Cells). Taken with the Bruker Dimension FastScan AFM in the NUANCE-SPID Facility.

Xiaobing Liu Post-Doctoral Fellow Northwestern University Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences Jacobsen Group IMAGE This photomicrograph depicts a 1-mm sized, boron-doped diamond (called type-IIb diamond) grown by Dr. Liu, who is investigating the properties and distribution of boron-rich regions, revealed by darker shades in this image. How can hardness approaching that of diamond be reliably measured? This question has impeded research into novel superhard materials and generated intense debate amongst researchers. Here we obtained accurate hardness measurements of boron-doped diamond, with special attention to the 3D structure of the indentations and to the integrity of the indenters as a function of boron content for the first time in the world. This discovery provides a novel advance in estimating hardness and will be helpful when further searching for novel superhard materials. Image taken and research conducted using the 3D Optical Microscope in the NUANCE-Keck-II Facility.

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Technological Institute J-Wing Construction Update

The construction is progressing on the new J-Wing of the Northwestern University Technological Institute. When finished, tentatively in December of 2015, the 1st floor will house EPIC instruments and offices.

Front cover image: Winning Image – NUANCE Image Gallery Contest High pressure-frozen and freeze fractured primary mesenchyme cell from a sea urchin embryo. Taken with the Hitachi S4800 in the NUANCE-EPIC (BioCryo) Facility, by

Dr. Irene Chang - Department of Materials Science and Engineering. Color added by Eric Miler.

Back cover image: Fifth Place Image – 2014 Northwestern Scientific Images Contest, “Capturing the Beauty of Science” Enamel Crystals, by Eric Miller - Microscopy & Imaging Specialist, NUANCE Center.

This image shows a control experiment in which enamel proteins are being used to grow enamel-like calcium phosphates called hydroxyapatite crystals.

Prof. Vinayak Dravid consults with the architects and construction foreman

early March, 2014

“The pit”, which will house a new, large and powerful microscopy

instrument. Picture taken August 2014

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Reviewing construction progress and going over plans.

May 2014

Outside view of J-Wing November 2014

Viewing the NUANCE EPIC-TEM space in the new J-Wing. December 2014


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