MCL continues to invest in its Sample Preparation Laboratory to ensure state-of-the-art capabilities and reliable service for our research community.
Recent enhancements include:
New Equipment: Q200A precision saw and vacuum/high-pressure epoxy mounting setups reduce trapped gas.
The Tool Watch feature in LEO allows system users and technical staff to monitor tool availability by toggling a tool watch using eye icons in the Calendar or Tool Control list. A Blue Eye Icon indicates the Watch is turned on. A Gray Eye Icon indicates the Watch is turned off. This feature is especially useful for maximizing tool utilization and responding quickly to last-minute changes.
HOW TO USE TOOL WATCH
2DCC-MIP User Develops 2D Tin Selenide for Energy and Electronic Applications
The 2DCC-MIP created a web-based tool for data curation, dissemination, and analysis for materials synthesis and characterization, called the Lifetime Sample Tracking (LiST) system. LiST was implemented in 2018 and is the archive for 18,000+ samples generated in the 2DCC-MIP user facility. Features of the tool’s structured data archive also include dataset DOI generation and integration with instrument DOIs for comprehensive FAIR data in publications with over 35 published datasets in the literature. The LiST system and its data are a valuable tool for the research community.
A groundbreaking collaboration between the Kurt J. Lesker Company, Penn State University, MIT, and the Army Research Laboratory has successfully demonstrated ferroelectric switching in aluminum scandium nitride (AlScN) thin films using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD).
WORKSHOP: October 29, 2025
Workshop Details:
This workshop explores advanced electron microscopy techniques specifically designed for characterizing beam-sensitive and soft materials, along with new possibilities enabled by multi-ion species plasma FIB milling. Through expert-led sessions and hands-on demonstrations, participants will gain insight into the unique advantages of using various ion species in combination with cryo-imaging.
Ever wonder if your research could benefit from a technique that you haven’t tried yet? Curious what new tools and capabilities have popped up in the Materials Characterization Lab (MCL)?
LEO enables external collaborations and fosters ongoing external relationships.
Core facilities such as the Materials Characterization Lab (MCL), Nanofabrication Laboratory, and the Two-Dimensional Crystal Consortium (2DCC) that use LEO to manage their tools and labs enjoy the ease of use provided by LEO and the LEO framework. External partners enjoy a seamless, consistent, and easy onboarding process.
Innovations in Materials, Processes, and Applications for Quantum Technologies
Florida International University (FIU) and Penn State are advancing quantum materials research through a National Science Foundation (NSF) Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) grant. The program, called NSF PREM IMPAQT, is co-led by Dr. Daniela Radu of FIU and Dr. Joan Redwing, Director of the 2D Crystal Consortium (2DCC) at Penn State.