Electron microscope facility opened at ANSTO

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) has welcomed the opening of its new electron microscopy facility by the Hon Karen Andrews, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Science.

The $6 million facility has been purpose-built to allow ANSTO’s electron microscopes to operate at their full performance capabilities. It is uses advanced architectural design to mitigate external influences — such as electromagnetic fields, vibrations and temperature variation — which can compromise performance.

Electron microscopy has played a major role in ANSTO’s research and development of high-tech materials for industrial and medical applications. Amongst many applications, electron microscopy assists in maintaining the safety and reliability of the OPAL research reactor, which is vital to the organisation’s production of nuclear medicines.

The new building will enable ANSTO to conduct world-class research into nuclear materials and radiation, particularly the behaviour of materials for use in extreme environments. Andrews noted, “Having a specialised building means that all non-essential functions are kept out and the microscopes’ performance is optimised — and therefore, the results are too.”

As a mechanical engineer and an advocate for the applied sciences and engineering, Andrews applauded the completion of the facility and described the design as “stunning”.

“World-class research facilities like ANSTO need world-class design,” she said. “The innovation, in terms of architecture, is just a hint at the possibilities of the research being carried out inside the building.”