OCCAM is a premier collaborative resource for research, training, and technical development, offering access to state-of-the-art surface analysis and electron microscopy infrastructure and expertise. It enables detailed examination of the bulk properties, interfaces, and surfaces of a wide variety of advanced materials, from the macro to the atomic scale, supporting hundreds of high-impact research programs across diverse fields.
OCCAM’s mission includes both delivering cutting-edge materials characterization to its extensive user community and advancing the boundaries of measurement capabilities. The facility is organized into three main nodes:
• Surface Science (WB104/107/108/111) – with state-of-the-art XPS systems (3), ToF-SIMS, SAM, LEIS, AFM, and profilometry, OCCAM’s surface lab is one of Canada’s best-equipped surface analytical laboratories.
• Electron Microscopy (PT167, LM50) – comprehensively equipped with SEMs (4), TEMs (2), a dual-column FIB tool, and an array of sample preparation infrastructure.
• Sample Preparation and Supporting Characterization (PT164, WB104) – an extensive cadre of sample sectioning, polishing, grinding, and coating infrastructure, as well as several complementary characterization tools (including light microscopes, hardness testers) provide facility research support.