Posted: 19 April 2024
A suite of three electron microscopes, including one of the highest resolution microscopes in the world, now calls Monash home, helping scientists push the frontiers in materials science to solve complex worldwide challenges.
The cutting-edge instruments, worth more than a combined $20 million, were unveiled today by Dr Carina Garland MP, Member for Chisholm, at the Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy (MCEM) at the University’s Clayton campus.
The technology underpins the development of vital materials needed for high-speed computer chips, better batteries, more efficient solar panels, biodegradable plastics, communication devices, lighter, stronger metals for energy-efficient aircraft alloys, and green technologies, such as cleaner mineral extraction.
“Almost everything we use in our daily lives – from toothpaste and cars, to mobile phones – is made from materials engineered with the help of electron microscopes,” said Science Director of MCEM and Australian Laureate Professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy, Professor Joanne Etheridge.
The new instruments have already revealed how next generation, high-efficiency solar cell materials degrade at the atomic scale in order to develop solutions that last much longer, and the origin of the ultra-high-strength properties of a new titanium alloy designed for additive manufacturing.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Infrastructure), Professor Jacek Jasieniak, said MCEM is a leading research facility, renowned worldwide.
“These are revolutionary instruments and a powerful new addition to our world-class Monash research platforms. We look forward to the new scientific discoveries they will enable,” Professor Jasieniak said.
“The MCEM fosters innovation, bringing world-leading scientists and engineers, industry and government to the heart of the Monash Technology Precinct to co-develop solutions with positive and lasting impact.”
In a keynote address, special guest, distinguished scientist and CEO of the Diamond Light Source (the UK Synchrotron), Professor Gianluigi Botton FRSC, highlighted the international significance of this research capability for solving key global challenges.
