After a decade of innovative research, the Wolfson Electron Microscopy Suite (WEMS) continues to be at the forefront of materials science discovery through advanced electron microscopy, diffraction and microanalysis.

Thanks to the generosity of the Wolfson Foundation, WEMS became established in 2014 once all the electron microscopes had been moved to their new home in West Cambridge. Years of planning gave rise to a state-of-the-art EM building designed to provide a low-noise, stable environment that is internationally recognised as ideal for highly sensitive EM instrumentation. The microscopes in WEMS provide a complete and flexible range of imaging, diffraction and analytical capabilities across many length-scales using transmission, scanning and focused ion-beam microscopes. WEMS staff provide users, from across the whole of Cambridge and beyond, with bespoke training and individual access, delivering an invaluable service to support materials characterization at the highest level, not only for academic research but also to assist research and development in industry and the commercial sector. The team consists of Mr Christopher Dolan and Mr Simon Griggs, technical staff; Dr Simon Fairclough, Advanced TEM technical officer; and Dr John Walmsley (see image), WEMS facility manager. Prof. Cate Ducati and Prof. Paul Midgley FRS provide academic leadership.

With the introduction of the ThermoFisher Spectra (S)TEM in 2022, WEMS has gained cutting-edge capabilities including high resolution (sub-Å) imaging and monochromated energy-loss spectroscopy mapping, as well as ‘multi-dimensional’ mapping using 4D-STEM (including precession STEM) and 3D analytical tomography. Machine learning-based software is now vital, and is applied routinely to handle the vast quantities of multi-dimensional data that are acquired.

The speed and sensitivity of detectors and cameras now enables highly ‘beam-sensitive’ materials to be studied in a manner that, only 10 years ago, would have been thought impossible. One recent example relates to studies of the surface degradation mechanisms of Ni-rich cathodes in Li-ion batteries, which are crucial for improving battery longevity and performance. Other research includes the determination of atomic structure and ‘microstructure’ of pharmaceutical materials, and the study of the structure- property relationships in semi-crystalline polymers.

WEMS has been instrumental in advancing nanophotonics and quantum technologies through studies of multi-layered (composite) nanostructured devices based on hybrid perovskites and gallium nitride, and in investigating advanced alloys and intermetallic compounds. It is not only a hub for technique development and cutting-edge research but also a centre for education and training, supporting the academic growth of graduate students and researchers in the sciences and engineering disciplines. WEMS also hosts projects supported by the Henry Royce Institute for academics and SMEs in the UK, and has hosted many international users through EC-funded networks such as ESTEEM and EXCITE.

As we step into the second decade of WEMS, it is evident that electron microscopy is thriving more than ever. The field has seen remarkable technological and scientific advances, enabling higher-resolution investigations across a broader spectrum of materials and devices. With further investment planned, WEMS will continue to be at the forefront of EM and contribute significantly to both scientific advancement and the training of the next generation of materials scientists.

[also published in Material Eyes, Issue 40]