The Nanostructural Analysis Network Organisation (NANO) has commissioned at the University of Sydney a unique state-of-the-art instrument for nanostructural analysis.

The LEAP® Atom Probe Microscope developed and marketed by Imago Scientific Instruments Corporation, of Madison, Wisconsin USA, represents world leading capability for 3-D imaging and analysis at the atomic scale.

“We are pleased that Australia’s national nanotechnology facility has selected our instrument for some of their most advanced problems,” said Dr. Timothy Stultz, President and CEO of Imago Scientific Instruments. Dr. Stultz added, “The LEAP® Microscope represents a revolutionary scientific breakthrough for microscopy – this technology will have a widespread impact on a multitude of industries worldwide.”

Imago recently received the 2004 Small Times Magazine Best of Small Tech Product of the Year Award for their innovative LEAP® Metrology System. The LEAP Microscope also won the R&D 100 Award, an award sponsored by R&D Magazine, which recognizes the 100 most technologically innovative products introduced into the marketplace in the past year.

“The atom probe is a powerful instrument for exploring the structure and function of materials at the atomic scale and will contribute greatly to the field of alloy design,” said Simon Ringer, Director of the Electron Microscope Unit at the University of Sydney and Executive Director NANO-MNRF. “We are already using the instrument to investigate a variety of light alloys including magnesium and aluminum and have plans to examine a range of other materials. This will place NANO at the forefront in the use of atom probe tomography to investigate the nanoscale.”

Ellie Kable, Laboratory Manager added, “Of all the vendors whose instruments we have purchased, it has been a pleasure to work with Imago Scientific Instruments – this has been a dream installation.”

All Australian and international researchers who have an interest in atomic analysis of alloys can gain access the new atom probe facility through the NANO Travel and Access Program.

NANO (www.nano.org.au) is one of 15 Australian Major National Research Facilities. It has been formed as an unincorporated joint venture between the Universities of Sydney, Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, and Melbourne, and also includes Imago Scientific Incorporated of Wisconsin, USA.

NANO receives funding from the Commonwealth Government and from several State governments as well as from industry. This MNRF was designed to unite a number of Australian university microscopy and microanalysis centres into a single national network of laboratories, unified in terms of both equipment and research expertise. Thus the NANO-MNRF provides the peak Australian facility for the nano-metric analysis of the structure and chemistry of materials in physical and biological systems.

Imago Scientific Instruments Corporation (www.imago.com) is the recognized world leader in the development of Nanolytical® tools and solutions for manufactures, engineers, scientists and researchers involved in the nano-technology revolution. Imago is committed to the sustained advancement of nano-science and continually develops groundbreaking Nanolytical solutions to address unique issues facing our clients and partners.

Imago has developed a worldwide customer base and delivers support from a number of locations in the United States, Japan, and Asia Pacific. Imago is an industry partner in NANO-MNRF.

Contacts: NANO-MNRF Dr. Miles Apperley 02-9351 2887

Imago Scientific Dr. Timothy Stultz 608-274-6880