OCCAM, is a world-class collaborative, research, training, and technical development resource providing access to advanced surface analytical and electron microscopy infrastructure and expertise.  Details of the bulk, interfaces, and surfaces of a large range of advanced materials are revealed on scales from the macro to the atomic in support of hundreds of high-impact research programs across a diverse array of fields.

OCCAM’s research focus is on both providing leading-edge materials characterization support to its large user community, as well as to push the frontiers of measurement. The facility is composed of three primary nodes:

• Electron Microscopy (PT167, LM50) – comprehensively equipped with SEMs (4), TEMs (2), a dual-column FIB tool, and an array of sample preparation infrastructure.
• 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.
• 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.