CEMAS, FEI join forces to design electron microscopy digital theater

Earlier this month, the Center for Electron Microscopy and Analysis (CEMAS) hosted an event to dedicate a new digital learning environment at their facility on West Campus and to thank FEI Company for their support.

FEI designs, manu­factures, and supports the broadest range of high-performance microscopes that provide images and answers in the micro-, nano- and picometer scales. Several of their instruments are used at CEMAS.

This digital theater, now named the Ohio State - FEI Electron Microscopy Collaboratory, reflects the efforts of CEMAS and FEI Company to expand the accessibility of electron microscopy to students, researchers and industrial partners. 

In the Electron Miscroscopy Collaboratory, students and guests can experience live, remote access of CEMAS instruments within a state-of-the-art classroom environment. Video wall technology provides multiple display screens and projectors, allowing simultaneous views of microscope controls, microscope outputs and lecture slides. Students and lecturers can interact with and operate electron and ion microscopes from within the digital theater in a live, seamless manner—as if one were sitting in front of the instrument. The room's seating is arranged "theater-style" so that control of the microscope can be transferred to members of the audience using wired and wireless technology.

The microscopes also can be shared with students and researchers at geographically distant locations. Remote operation capabilities connect directly to the 100 Gb/s Ohio OARnet network, providing a unique opportunity for remote teaching and research to partners across the state. CEMAS is pioneering the practical application of this technology for research and training of the next generation of electron microscopy specialists, providing an environment to facilitate world-class collaborative research and maximizing productivity while minimizing economic and environmental impact. This remote system has been installed at the University of Dayton, Ohio State's Wooster campus and the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (Dayton), with additional locations planned for the near future.

During the dedication event, a plaque celebrating FEI Company’s contributions to the customized space was unveiled. Opening remarks were given by Ohio State Vice President for Research Caroline Whitacre, College of Engineering Dean David B. Williams, FEI Company CEO Don Kania and CEMAS Director David McComb.

"FEI creates new tools, Ohio State has the tools and has them working better than anywhere else in the world," said Kania. "And they have this educational environment that brings smart youngsters together with people who’ve lived the long pains of making microscopy work. I think the world in the next decade in materials science is ready for a fundamental change, and Ohio State will lead that change. There’s no better place on the planet earth to do microscopy than right here at CEMAS."