Electron Imaging Center for NanoMachines

EICN provides advanced electron imaging tools for applications ranging from materials science to structural biology

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Electron Microscopy

Electron Imaging Center for NanoMachines

What is Electron Microscopy?

Electron microscopy is a powerful extension of optical techniques into the sub-optical wavelength sized world. Using electrons accelerated to relativistic speeds, these microscopes can image individual atoms. Transmission electron microscopy requires a thin sample, about a micron or less, and thinner is better. It uses a variety of techniques to image and characterize samples. For example:

  • High resolution imaging can resolve individual atoms.
  • Cryo-EM can reveal structures and molecular interactions of biological complexes.
  • STEM imaging can differentiate atom types.
  • X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) can quantify elemental composition.
  • Tomography can resolve the 3D structure of materials and biological complexes.

How can electron microscopy facilitate your research project?

EICN can assist you in achieving success in your research by providing state-of-the-art electron microscopy instruments and assisted usage services. Highly experienced staff provides necessary training and can help users address complex electron imaging needs. EICN offers advanced electron imaging techniques for visualizing materials, nanomachines, and cellular structures at atomic or nanometer scales in 2D and 3D. In addition, our latest integrated iCorr technology enables a streamlined approach to correlative microscopy to perform both fluorescence light and electron microscopy for biological research.

 

Services available:

  • Instrument Training
  • Self Usage
  • Assisted Usage
  • Data Processing

Highly experienced staff provide the necessary training and can help users address any of their complex electron imaging needs. For sample preparation and assisted usage, please email to EICNhelp@cnsi.ucla.edu for assistance.

 

We use a variety of techniques to image and characterize samples

  • High resolution imaging can resolve individual atoms
  • Cryo-EM can reveal structures and molecular interactions of biological complexes
  • X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) can quantify elemental composition
  • Tomography can resolve the 3D structure of materials and biological tissues
  • Correlative fluorescence and electron microscopy can characterize tissue and cellular samples in 3D
  • SEM can visualize surface features up to 1 nm resolution
 

West/Midwest Consortium

The West/Midwest Consortium (WMC) for High-Resolution Cryo Electron Microscopy offers exclusive access to the Electron Imaging Center for NanoMachines (EICN) at UCLA. By providing immediate access to direct electron counting and other cutting-edge technologies, we strive to promote the field of cryoEM and advance translational research.

 

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Questions or comments? Please email us at EICNhelp@cnsi.ucla.edu

Center Highlights
  • Leader in the field of cryoEM
  • Provides state-of-the-art Electron Imaging Tools
  • Develops cutting-edge technology of cryoEM reconstruction
  • Study virus structures and infection processes; important sub-cellular complexes; engineered nanostructures and devices