Aims

The main aim of the project is to develop commercial applications and markets for the micro analytical testing and imaging of materials based primarily on existing equipment and expertise at Kingston University (but also within the WestFocus group).

It is also planned to develop and market software for micro-imaging (based on macro-GIS systems), and a DL module on micro-imaging of materials.

The potential for commercial development of new instrumentation, the modification of existing methods, and production of analytical standards will also be explored.

Equipment Base and Area of Expertise

Major items of equipment available for use include:

• Laser Raman microspectroscopy (LRM)
• Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA)
• Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy
• Confocal Laser-Scanning Microscopy
• UV Fluorescence Microscopy
• Cathodoluminescence Microscopy
• Optical Reflected and Transmitted Light Microscopy and Imaging
• Hot and Cold Stage Microscopy
• Micro-indentation Hardness Tester

In addition, access to the Laser ICP-MS facilities within the NERC-funded unit at Kingston and other equipment within the KBDN, is also possible.

Potential Applications

These include:

• Gem & Mineral characterisation *
• Polymers
• Ceramics
• Mineral fillers
• Inclusions and defects *
• Metals
• Composites
• Glass
• Pharmaceuticals
• Forensics
• Particles, health and the environment.
• Fibers

Those marked with (*) will provide the focus for the initial phase of the project.