SEM image taken at PEMC
PEMC Logo
Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre (PEMC) provides expert and specialist support to students, researchers, academics, business, and industry.
We have a comprehensive range of electron microscopes which cater to a wide range of disciplines at the University, external research organisations and industry clients. Our equipment is integrated with sophisticated software for image analysis, data processing and X-ray characterisation of materials, with facilities for rapid report generation.
If you would like to access our facilities, please contact us using the information provided below.

Commercial clients touring PEMC facilities
Commercial
PEMC interactions with commercial clients
Facilities at PEMC
Training
PEMC offers training for students
Research clients touring PEMC facilities
Research
PEMC undertakes and supports research
Hummus

Abstract close up on microscopy machinery
Available equipment
Analytical and sample preparation equipment
Monitor with ESM images
Available techniques
Analytical and sample preparation techniques
3D printed coccolith
Academic research and outreach
Published research by collaborators and outreach

JEOL IT510 LV SEM
Electron Microscopy at PEMC
  • Five JEOL scanning electron microscopes (SEMs), including one transportable JEOL benchtop SEM
  • ZEISS microscopy focused ion beam SEM with the ability to perform lift-outs
  • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
  • Low vacuum, cryo-SEM, and automated mineralogy
  • Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), wavelength dispersive spectroscopy, and cathodoluminescence imaging capabilities
Gold coated bee
Sample Preparation at PEMC
  • Hot and cold resin embedding techniques for materials and geological specimens
  • Variable techniques for biological sample preparation, including cryo-SEM, freeze drying, and resin embedding
  • Lapping and polishing methods (Automet, VibroMet) for imaging, EDS, EBSD, and other techniques
  • Lift-out capabilities for materials, biological, and geological samples for S/TEM analysis
  • Specimen coating, including gold, chrome, carbon, and gold-palladium