Case Studies

There are many different methods to analyse surfaces and interfaces, each with advantages and disadvantages. Imaging plays a key role in medical research and drug discovery, identifying the spatial distribution of particles, locating drug targets, and assessing drug distribution. This type of analysis depends on reliable compar...

Many engineering products, such as car clutch assemblies and machine tools, undergo high friction during their service life. New materials are constantly being investigated that will provide better performance and increased durability against friction or chemical degradation. Such products require rigorous testing to understand...

Milling and cutting tools, used in precision manufacturing, are subject to wear with use. Tools designed with specific profiles can develop worn surfaces or ridges. These micron-scale flaws affect performance, meaning tools do not produce products as intended. This leads to higher component rejection rates, higher costs and man...

Many companies are developing products that require a detailed understanding of surface chemistry, such as new catalytic exhaust systems to reduce car emissions, and new coatings to improve optical and functional properties of microelectronics. Such innovations need very precise non-destructive measurement techniques to study ...

Many next generation technologies have multiple layers of organic materials with complex surface chemistries. For example, in mobile phones these layers provide visual displays, touch response and protection. Organic solar cells require multiple layers to turn light into electricity. Drug delivery systems are designed to break ...

When manufacturers of plastic’s or coatings develop new products, they need confidence in how they will perform in service when subjected to mechanical forces. For example, understanding how a material’s surface performs in wear situations is important in determining a products durability. Wear is a complex process with many me...