Partnering
Contract Services at the Food and Soft Materials Research Lab
In addition to conducting academic research, the Food and Soft Materials Research Group offers private contract services to organizations with specific research needs. We offer some of the most powerful, state-of-the-art equipment available.
We will consult with you to determine the type of equipment and extent of service needed. We can also provide guidance on the best approach to use for your objectives.
Facility and Equipment
Our lab is located in downtown Toronto at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Centre for Urban Innovation (CUI). Our microscopy lab includes a range of equipment and tools, some of them unique to Canada.
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM): ThermoFisher Scientific Quattro S Environmental SEM (ESEM)
This SEM has the capability to image samples under standard high vacuum (10-6 mbar) conditions as well as under low vacuum and ESEM (27 mbar max) for imaging of non-conductive samples without additional sample preparation. ESEM mode allows for the SEM chamber to have a defined pressure of water vapour to simulate environmental conditions during imaging. With this microscope are multiple heating and cooling stages that allow for in-situ experimental observation. Also includes Electron Back Scatter Detection (EBSD)
EDS: EDAX Octane Elect EDS System
The EDAX EDS system allow for elemental analysis of samples within the SEM. The X-rays created by the electron beam allow for elemental detection with this EDS system. This EDS system not only has point measurement acquisition but line and mapping options are also available.
Cryo-stage: Quorum PP310 Cryo-SEM Preparation System
The PP3010 Cryo transfer system allows for slushed nitrogen freezing for observation of microstructure within the Quattro S SEM. The vacuum preparation chamber allows for freeze fracturing, sublimation and sputter coating (Pt) and easy transfer directly into a cryogenic imaging stage within the SEM.
SEM-SCA: Renishaw Structural and Chemical Analysis (SEM-SCA)
The inVia and SCA allows for Raman analysis of samples within the SEM. Very small features (1-5 µm) on a sample surface can be imaged simultaneously with the SEM and Raman spectral acquisition can be obtained with the SEM-SCA.
Raman Microscope: Renishaw inVia Qontor confocal Raman Microscope
Raman microscopy offers spectral analysis of molecular vibrations allowing for unique spectral signatures unique to every sample. This Raman has both 785nm and 532nm wavelength lasers for spectral acquisition. The inVia Qontor microscope offers rapid spectral acquisition of point, line and area scans and allows for automated z-axis focusing with LiveTrack. Rapid acquisition of Raman maps on highly three-dimensional sample surfaces. This Raman microscope is also equipped with heating and cooling stages for in-situ experimental observation of Raman spectra.