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Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (CMM)

CMM is a leading hub for advanced electron, X-ray and ion microscopy, imaging spectroscopy and surface analysis as well as a foundation member of the Queensland node of Microscopy Australia.

Who we are

The Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (CMM) is an interdisciplinary collaborative research, teaching, and service centre, enabling imaging and analysis of natural and man-made materials down to the atomic level. We play an integral role across UQ's research programs and contribute to both undergraduate and postgraduate education.

Our specialist staff provide expert advice, training and services in a supportive environment – helping clients achieve their research and industry goals through advanced microscopy, spectroscopy with X-rays and electrons, and nanofabrication with electrons. 

Who we help

Researchers

Learn and book our high-end instruments or collaborate with our experts.

Industry

Tailored solutions for industry and government partners. Learn and book our frontiers instruments or fee for service.

Students

Hands-on experience, workshops and expert-led courses.

The CMM advantage

Cutting-edge instrumentation

Access to high-performance electron, ion, light microscopy and elemental and molecular mass spectroscopy imaging and fabrication at the nm scale with electron beam lithography.

Expert support and training

Specialist staff providing expert consultation, fee for service and training. 

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Facilitating research in materials science, life sciences, quantum devices, energy storage, resource sector and more.

Industry and research partnerships

Open to university and public institution researchers, industry professionals and students. 

What we offer

CMM provides a comprehensive suite of analytical instrumentation and a high standard of training programs including:

  • Cryo-electron microscopy and structural biology – unlocking the molecular architecture of life.
  • Micro to atomic imaging and analytics – unlocking the structured complexity down to the atomic scale of natural and man-made materials.
  • In-situ electron microscopy and X-ray and electron diffraction – studying dynamic reactions in catalysts and battery materials.
  • X-ray and electron crystallography – determining the molecular structures of life and crystalline materials. 
  • Volume imaging and 3D reconstruction – high resolution imaging of biological and materials systems at the nanometer scale.
  • Sub-micrometer mineral characterisation – analysing minerals for geosciences, exploration and the resource industries and e-waste circular economy.
  • Molecular mass spectroscopy imaging – identifying and mapping biomolecules and small molecules in biological systems and minerals.
  • High-precision elemental and surface analysis – EPMA, XPS, TOF-SIMS, and ion beam techniques.
  • Nanofabrication with electrons – enabling precise material design and modification at the nanoscale.

Facilities, equipment and services

Explore the instruments, training and services we provide as well as instructions on how to access them.

Explore our facilities and services 

Working with us

Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (CMM)
Email: cmm@uq.edu.au
Phone: +61 7 3346 3944