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.
The 2DCC is excited to share that we have a brand-new AFM, located in N-124 MSC. The Jupiter XR AFM is a fast-scanning, taping-mode AFM optimized for the characterization of thin films at the wafer scale. It was installed in the spring of 2025. The AFM was purchased with funds provided by the MMEC DOD Microelectronic Commons Hub.
Performance Review Institute (PRI) Certification recognizes the Penn State Materials Research Institute's Nanofabrication Laboratory for having met the stringent requirements of the ISO9001 international standards, their ongoing commitment to satisfying stakeholders, and their dedication to continual improvement of their management system.
AFM-IR is a characterization technique that combines the chemical specificity of FTIR spectroscopy and the sub-micron resolution of AFM. Using this technique, the chemical heterogeneity of inorganic and organic samples can be mapped across interfaces and surfaces.
Contact Max Wetherington or visit the AFM-IR webpage > >
The LEO Registration process has been updated to offer a streamlined and user-friendly experience for Penn State researchers seeking access to SIMBA cost collectors for the purpose of charging Core Research Facilities expenses via the LEO system.
What's New?
The Registration website has been simplified, and the approval process permits cost collector authorization directly from an emailed request. Approvals can also be managed conveniently through Microsoft Teams or directly within the registration website.
What You Need to Register
This year's comprehensive maintenance week has once again proven its tremendous value to our nanofabrication operations, delivering improvements in system reliability and facility performance throughout the past twelve months. During this intensive five-day period, our technical teams successfully serviced nearly all critical systems across the facility, from lithography and deposition tools to environmental controls and support equipment. This proactive approach has resulted in a reduction in unscheduled shutdowns, translating to increased research throughput.