AXEL
Advanced X-ray and Electron Laboratory
About AXEL
AXEL is an instrumentation facility located at the University Research Centre (URC) at the University of Calgary. We support a wide range of users including internal researchers, external academic collaborators, and industry partners.
Our expertise spans diverse material systems including:
- Metals and alloys
- Oxides and ceramics
- Polymers and biomaterials
- Semiconductors and nanomaterials
- Coatings and catalysts
We provide both analytical services and expert consultation to help users obtain meaningful, high-quality data.
Our Capabilities
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
XPS is a powerful and widely used surface analysis technique that provides quantitative elemental composition, chemical-state, and electronic-state information from the top ~1–10 nm of solid materials.
At AXEL, we offer professional XPS analysis for:
- Academic research groups
- Industry and R&D teams
- External collaborators
Applicable materials include metals, polymers, semiconductors, coatings, catalysts, and biomaterials.
Instrumentation
Thermo Scientific ESCALAB QXi XPS Microprobe
- High-resolution surface analysis platform
- Analysis areas from <200 µm to >900 µm
- Small-area analysis down to ~20 µm
- Depth profiling via monoatomic and gas-cluster Ar⁺ sources
- Ultra-high vacuum (<10⁻¹⁰ mbar)
Sample Requirements
✅ Dry samples
✅ Powders, films, wafers
❌ No liquids/outgassing
Fees
| Item | Internal | External |
|---|---|---|
| Operator Time | $70/hr | $105/hr |
| Instrument Time | $50/hr | $75/hr |
| Overhead | N/A | 45% |
Resources
- Download the latest CasaXPS: http://www.casaxps.com/berlin/index.html
- The CasaXPS YouTube channel with step-by-step tutorials and training videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUqLBeW-UAjXC55HbRYOabQ
- The CasaXPS official site, which contains instructional videos, example VAMAS files used in tutorials, and links to journal papers related to the data shown in those videos: https://www.casa-software.com/
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
TEM is a powerful nanoscale characterization technique that enables high-resolution imaging, crystallographic analysis, and chemical characterization down to the atomic scale.
AXEL provides TEM services to academic, industrial, and government users across a wide range of materials systems.
Instrumentation
Talos™ F200X G2 Transmission Electron Microscope
- 200 kV accelerating voltage
- Field emission gun (X-FEG)
- Resolution: ≤0.12 nm (STEM)
- Integrated Super-X EDS and EELS detectors
Future Capabilities:
- In-situ electrochemical TEM
- Heating experiments
- Environmental TEM
Sample Requirements
✅ Electron-transparent samples (<100 nm thickness)
✅ Clean, dry, contamination-free
Fees
| Service | Internal | External |
|---|---|---|
| Operator Time | $70/hr | $105/hr |
| Instrument Time | $80/hr | $120/hr |
| TEM Grid Preparation | $10/grid | $10/grid |
| Overhead | N/A | 45% |
Resources
- STEM Microscope | Talos F200X G2 TEM | Thermo Fisher Scientific - CA
- Calculating Interplanar Spacing (d) from HRTEM Image: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0rUiXHZePI&t=229s
- SAED Dot Pattern (SADP) indexing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiS7Gk3Iw0Q
- How to set up fast DualEELS for live mapping in DigitalMicrograph: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FyYgZgV3AM&list=PL_kL-ZJRE__jnPmLAosJaFyoGXikqDIaT
How to Request Analysis
Complete Forms
Complete the appropriate sample submission form and email to relevant instrument contact.
External parties: A signed Service Agreement is additionally required prior to sample submission.
Submit Samples
Prepare and label samples according to requirements. Coordinate drop-off or shipment with lab staff.
Results
Data acquisition and reporting will follow consultation
Contact AXEL
Our Team
Dr. Ahmed Abdellah
TEM Specialist
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Email: ahmed.abdellah1@ucalgary.ca
Phone: 403-220-2525
Dr. Rad Sadri
XPS Specialist
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Email: rad.sadri@ucalgary.ca
Phone: 403-399-1419
Location
Advanced X-ray & Electron Laboratory (AXEL)
University Research Centre (URC)
3535 Research Rd NW
Calgary, AB T2L 2K8