Microscopy and Advanced Analytical Facility
Advancing materials research with cutting-edge microscopy and analytical expertise.
Advancing materials research
The Microscopy and Advanced Analytical Facility (MAAF) offers cutting-edge materials characterisation services – driving world-class research, technological innovation and advanced education across engineering, applied science and materials science disciplines.
Housed in purpose-built, vibration-isolated laboratories within the Advanced Technologies Centre, MAAF provides state-of-the-art instrumentation and expert support – enabling high-resolution imaging, detailed surface and structural analysis, accurate phase identification, and precise evaluation of mechanical properties at the micro- to nanoscale.
Established in 2003 through a Systemic Infrastructure Initiative grant from the Department of Education, Science and Training, and later enhanced by Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities funding, MAAF has grown into a key hub for academic and industry-linked research.
MAAF's capabilities deliver high-quality, reliable data that drive breakthrough academic research and real-world industry innovation – strengthening its position as a core of component of the School of Engineering's research infrastructure at Swinburne.
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Our analytical instruments and technologies
MAAF offers a comprehensive suite of scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) to meet diverse materials characterisation needs. Our advanced systems provide high-resolution imaging, elemental analysis and mapping, and enable detailed studies of the crystallographic structure of materials.
These capabilities support investigations into microstructure–property relationships, alloy development, deformation and fracture mechanisms, corrosion behaviour and failure analysis. Research spans metals, ceramics, composites, minerals, cement-based materials and geological samples with applications in mining, mineral processing, cement formulation and advanced materials development.
JEOL IT800 FEG-SEM
The JEOL IT800 is a high-performance Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscope (FEG-SEM) engineered for advanced imaging and microanalysis. It features Oxford Instruments’ Ultim Max EDS detector for precise elemental analysis and a C-nano EBSD detector for high-resolution crystallographic mapping.
This system delivers exceptional spatial resolution, fast data acquisition and seamless integration of structural and chemical information – making it ideal for materials research, metallurgy and failure analysis applications.
Zeiss Supra 40VP SEM
The Zeiss Supra 40VP is a versatile conventional scanning electron microscope (SEM) designed for high-resolution microstructural imaging. Its tungsten filament source provides excellent imaging quality, while the variable pressure mode enables the examination of non-conductive samples without extensive preparation.
Equipped with an Oxford Instruments INCAx-act EDS detector for precise elemental analysis, this system supports a wide range of materials research and characterisation applications across diverse sample types.
Zeiss Supra 55VP SEM
The Zeiss Supra 55VP is a high-resolution SEM equipped with a tungsten filament electron source and both secondary (SE) and backscattered electron (BSE) detectors. This configuration provides detailed microstructural imaging and analysis – making it particularly well-suited for examining powder samples, surface morphology and fine structural features across a variety of materials.
MAAF provides advanced X-ray diffraction (XRD) capabilities for phase identification, crystallinity analysis and quantitative studies of crystalline materials. Grazing Incidence Diffraction (GID) supports thin-film and coating analysis, while high-temperature stages allow in-situ studies of phase transformations and thermal behaviour – making XRD ideal for minerals, cements and high-temperature materials research.
Bruker D8 ADVANCE X-Ray Diffractometer
The Bruker D8 ADVANCE is a versatile X-ray diffractometer designed for advanced structural analysis of materials. Its integrated auto-sample changer supports efficient batch analysis and high-throughput workflows.
It features GID for surface-sensitive studies, a capillary stage for measurements of powders and air-sensitive samples in sealed geometries, an MTC high-temperature stage for in-situ phase analysis at elevated temperatures, and a copper X-ray tube delivering high-intensity, high-resolution measurements – making it ideal for thin films, coatings, powder diffraction and advanced materials research.
Bruker D2 PHASER Benchtop X-Ray Diffractometer
The Bruker D2 PHASER is a compact, fully integrated benchtop X-ray diffractometer equipped with a cobalt X-ray source – ideal for rapid phase identification and quantitative analysis of crystalline materials.
With a sealed tube, robust goniometer and built-in detector, it delivers reliable data with minimal user input. Its space-efficient design makes it well-suited to both research and teaching environments.
MAAF offers high-precision surface mechanical characterisation – enabling accurate measurements of hardness, elasticity and fracture toughness at micro- to nanoscale levels. This advanced capability supports detailed surface property analysis of metals, polymers, ceramics, thin films and composite materials.
Duramin-40 Micro/Macro Hardness Tester
The Duramin-40 is an automated micro/macro hardness testing system designed to deliver precise, repeatable measurements across a broad range of materials.
Supporting multiple test methods, including Vickers, Knoop and Brinell, it features motorised stages and automated load application for consistent, high-throughput operation.
Equipped with advanced software for control and data analysis, the Duramin-40 provides a reliable, user-friendly solution for both research applications.
Duramin-40 Micro/Macro Hardness Tester
FR-x Series Hardness Tester
The FR-x Series Hardness Tester is a fully automated micro/macro hardness testing system designed for high-precision measurements across diverse materials. Equipped with advanced load control, a motorised XY stage and high-resolution imaging, it ensures fast, accurate testing for both research and quality control applications.
Hysitron TI Premier Nanoindenter
The Hysitron TI Premier Nanoindenter is a high-precision system designed for quantitative surface mechanical characterisation at micro- to nanoscale resolutions.
Using advanced capacitive transducer technology, it enables accurate measurements of hardness, elastic modulus and fracture toughness across a wide range of materials.
Featuring versatile testing modes, intuitive TriboScan™ software and flexible sample mounting options, the system delivers reliable, reproducible data to support cutting-edge materials research and development.
Our facility offers a suite of advanced optical microscopes designed to support both biological and materials science applications. Each system provides specialised imaging capabilities – enabling high-quality inspection, analysis and documentation across a broad range of sample types.
Olympus BX-61 Microscope
The BX 61 is a fully motorised upright research microscope designed for advanced imaging in both materials and life sciences. Supporting brightfield, darkfield and differential interference contrast (DIC) techniques, it offers precise software-controlled focus, stage movement and optical adjustments for high-quality imaging.
Leica MEF4M Inverted Microscope
The Leica MEF4M is a reflected-light microscope designed for detailed materials characterisation, particularly the observation of metallic and composite microstructures. It provides high-contrast imaging of grain boundaries, phase distributions and surface treatments such as coatings or welds. Widely used in metallographic analysis, quality assurance and failure investigations, it is an essential tool for engineering and materials science applications.
Leica MZ6 Stereo Microscope
The Leica MZ6 is a stereo microscope designed for clear, low-magnification, three-dimensional viewing with a long working distance and large depth of field. Ideal for micro-assembly, fracture inspection, biological dissection and the examination of bulky or irregular samples, it provides detailed, hands-on visual inspection well-suited to both research and teaching environments.
Olympus BX51 Fluorescence Microscope
The Olympus BX51 is an upright fluorescence microscope designed for high-contrast imaging of fluorescently labelled biological specimens. Supporting a broad selection of filter sets and objective lenses, it enables detailed visualisation of fine cellular structures and real-time tracking of dynamic biological processes.
Olympus IX71 Inverted Microscope
The Olympus IX71 is an inverted microscope designed for high-quality phase contrast imaging. Its inverted configuration enables convenient observation of live or prepared samples in Petri dishes, multi-well plates and culture flasks, while its modular design allows seamless adaptation to diverse research applications.
We offer a comprehensive suite of sample preparation tools, including precision cutting, mounting, polishing and coating systems. These capabilities ensure accurate sectioning, reliable sample mounting and high-quality surface finishing across a wide range of materials. Our sputter coater provides uniform conductive coatings, such as gold or carbon, to enhance imaging quality and ensure optimal results in SEM analysis.
Accutom-50 Precision Cut-Off Unit
The Accutom-50 is an advanced precision cut-off unit designed for high-quality sectioning with micron-level accuracy. It features programmable variable disk speeds (300–5,000 rpm), motorised sample positioning with rotation and oscillation functions, and an integrated cooling system – making it ideal for serial cutting and fine grinding applications.
Accutom-50 Precision Cut-Off Unit
CitoVac Cold Mounting System
The CitoVac Cold Mounting System is a user-friendly vacuum impregnation unit designed for efficient, high-quality specimen mounting. Featuring digital controls with preset methods, it can fill up to eight mounting cups simultaneously – ensuring rapid and reliable sealing of porous, fragile or cracked samples in resin for stable handling during subsequent analysis.
CitoVac Cold Mounting System
CitoPress-15 Hot Mounting Press
The CitoPress-15 is a programmable, single-cylinder electro-hydraulic hot mounting press designed to produce 25 mm or 40 mm diameter sample mounts. It features database-controlled operation, a “Sensitive Mode” for delicate specimens, and integrated functions that minimise resin dust generation and reduce operator error – ensuring consistent, high-quality sample preparation.
CitoPress-15 Hot Mounting Press
LaboPol 20 Manual Rotary Grinder / Polisher
The LaboPol 20 is a reliable manual grinding and polishing machine designed for routine metallographic sample preparation. Featuring adjustable speed control, it provides consistent, high-quality surface finishes across a variety of materials.
Lectropol-5 Automatic Electrolytic Polishing System
The Lectropol-5 is an automatic electrolytic polishing and etching system designed for fast, deformation-free preparation of metallographic specimens. Offering precise control over voltage, current and time, it delivers high-quality surface finishes with minimal operator involvement. Ideal for soft or delicate metals, it eliminates mechanical damage often introduced during conventional grinding or polishing processes.
Lectropol-5 Automatic Electrolytic Polishing System
Q150R ES Plus Coater
This state-of-the-art sputter coater is designed to apply uniform, high-quality conductive coatings to samples prior to SEM analysis. It offers precise thickness control, rapid operation and excellent reproducibility. Equipped with interchangeable targets, such as gold and carbon, and capable of operating with either argon or nitrogen gases, it provides flexible coating options to suit diverse application requirements.
Secotom-50 Precision Cut-Off Machine
The Secotom-50 is a fully automated precision cut-off machine designed for sectioning solid materials up to 50 × 165 mm. Featuring an intuitive user interface and a motorised table, it delivers highly accurate and repeatable cuts – ensuring reliable sample preparation for subsequent analysis.
Secotom-50 Precision Cut-Off Machine
Tegramin 25 Automatic Grinding and Polishing System
The Tegramin 25 is a high-performance automatic grinding and polishing system designed for reproducible metallographic sample preparation. It features controlled force application, integrated dosing and an intuitive user interface – ensuring efficient operation for routine laboratory workflows.
Tegramin 25 Automatic Grinding and Polishing System
VC-50 Cutter Precision Diamond Saw
The LECO VC-50 Precision Diamond Saw is designed for accurate sectioning of ceramics, metals, minerals and electronic components while minimising material loss and deformation. Accommodating samples up to 1.5 inches (38 mm), it offers variable speeds up to 500 rpm and ensures consistent, high-quality cuts through patented electronic control technology.
Oxford Instruments AZtecCrystal
Oxford Instruments AZtecCrystal is a powerful post-processing software suite for EBSD and EDS data analysis. It provides advanced tools for crystallographic and compositional evaluation, including orientation mapping, phase identification, texture analysis and elemental distribution mapping – enabling comprehensive interpretation of microstructural data.
Bruker EVA
Bruker EVA is a dedicated software solution for analysing X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. It enables efficient comparison of experimental data with reference databases – providing reliable phase identification and comprehensive evaluation of crystalline materials.
Oxford Instruments Map Sweeper (EBSD)
Oxford Instruments Map Sweeper is an advanced post-processing tool designed to enhance EBSD data quality by identifying and removing erroneous or low-confidence points in orientation maps. It improves the accuracy and clarity of crystallographic analyses – ensuring cleaner datasets for reliable microstructural interpretation.
PDF-2 2025
PDF-2 2025 is a comprehensive diffraction database for XRD analysis – providing validated reference patterns to support accurate and reliable phase identification of crystalline materials.
Bruker TOPAS
Bruker TOPAS is an advanced software platform for Rietveld refinement and quantitative XRD analysis. It provides precise modelling of crystal structures and microstructural parameters – enabling reliable interpretation of complex diffraction data.
Using the lab
Recent investments in advanced instrumentation have revitalised our facility, expanded our analytical capabilities and attracted a rapidly growing user base. Today, we support more than 60 researchers with demand continuing to increase. Our facility is accessible to internal researchers (Swinburne staff and students), external collaborators and industry partners alike.
Access to our facility is available through a fee-for-use or service-based model. For finance-related queries, please email finance.maaf@swinburne.edu.au.
Information for companies and researchers
Our facility is available to external researchers from other insitutions. We support a broad spectrum of research initiatives, including Australian Research Council (ARC) Centres, Discovery Projects, Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) and global collaborations.
Information on the fee schedule, cancellation policy, and terms and conditions is available in our Access and Cost Recovery Policy for External Users [PDF 4MB].
To request access or schedule time on our equipment, please use our online booking system.
Information for students and staff
Our facility plays a vital role in developing the next generation of researchers – offering hands-on training and project support for bachelor (including honours), master and doctorate (PhD) students.
Information on the fee schedule, cancellation policy, and terms and conditions for internal users will be available soon.
To request access or schedule time on our equipment, please use our online booking system.
Partner with us
We actively welcome partnerships with academic institutions, industry leaders and government organisations – recognising that collaboration fuels innovation and accelerates solutions to real-world challenges.
Whether you are seeking access to advanced analytical instrumentation, expert consultation in materials characterisation or co-developing research projects or expert, we provide flexible partnership models tailored to your goals.
Our experienced team supports collaborative grants, contract research, joint publications and customised training programs – ensuring meaningful outcomes for all stakeholders. Contact us to discuss potential collaborations.
Our team
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Associate Professor Andrew Ang
Director, Microscopy and Advanced Analytical Facility -
Associate Professor Rosalie Hocking
Deputy Director, Microscopy and Advanced Analytical Facility
| Name | Position | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Dr Kritkasem (Kris) Khantisopon | Materials Characterisation Technician | +61 3 9214 4995 kkhantisopon@swinburne.edu.au |
| Dr Ryan Naseri | Senior Technologist | |
| Mr Krzysztof Stachowicz | Laboratory Manager |
Location and contact
We welcome students, industry partners and members of the media to access our facility, discuss collaboration opportunities and learn more about our capabilities.
ATC, Hawthorn campus