LSU Launches Louisiana’s Most Advanced Microscope at Research Core Facility
October 23, 2025
LSU’s Advanced Microscopy and Analytical Core (AMAC) facility gives Louisiana researchers access to 16 state-of-the-art instruments, including a new Spectra 300 Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (S/TEM) for atomic-scale imaging and analysis.
Interim LSU President Matt Lee, Vice President of Research and Economic Development Robert Twilley, Student Body President and student member of the LSU Board of Supervisors Lavar Henderson, Supervisor Rebecca Boniol, and Board Chair Scott Ballard cut the ribbon in celebration of the launch of the new microscope.
– Photo by Eddy Perez
The new microscope—the most advanced in Louisiana—was installed with $10 million in support from the U.S. Army. Standing almost 13 feet tall on a platform isolated from vibration, the S/TEM required major renovations, including a raised ceiling, acoustic wall panels, and a magnetic field cancellation system to ensure the instrument’s stability and performance. The microscope offers magnification up to 10 million times, powerful enough to enlarge a single grain of Mississippi River silt to the size of Tiger Stadium.
“This is a transformational moment for LSU and for the future of research in Louisiana. With the installation of the most advanced microscope in the state, LSU is once again demonstrating how we’re delivering on our promises—leading in research, innovation, and service to the state and nation.”
Matt Lee, Interim LSU President
The launch of the AMAC and S/TEM demonstrate LSU’s increased investment in providing its faculty and partners with the best possible equipment for research and discovery, including for national defense, energy, and health.
“Winning in research is no different than winning in athletics—the best facilities attract the best talent, and we need the best of both to win,” LSU Vice President of Research and Economic Development Robert Twilley said. “Today’s launch is about a state-of-the-art microscope but also the launch of the AMAC as our first research core facility at LSU—the first of more to come to attract, train, and support the best research talent for Louisiana and build research teams that win.”
– Art by Brittany Ball and Elsa Hahne
Using a finely focused electron beam and techniques such as energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), the S/TEM can reveal both structure and chemistry at atomic resolution. These capabilities drive advances in materials science—improving semiconductors, solar cells, batteries, catalysts, coatings, and alloys—while supporting biomedical research by mapping drug delivery, uncovering the structures of viruses and bacteria, and improving medical implant design.
Interim LSU President Matt Lee and Supervisor Rebecca Boniol talk with AMAC Director Dongmei Cao in front of the new microscope.
– Photo by Eddy Perez
LSU’s AMAC research core facility was recently rebranded, changing its name from the Shared Instruments Facility (SIF).
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