Analytical Instrumentation Facility (AIF) at NC State

The AIF is NC State’s primary shared facility for materials characterization with a mission to enable and lead state-of-the-art research through acquisition, development, maintenance, training, and access to major analytical and materials characterization instrumentation. Through the support of engaged faculty and experienced staff, the AIF supports state-of-the-art scanning and transmission electron microscopes, X-ray scattering and spectroscopy instruments, time-of-flight mass spectrometry, scanning probe microscopy, nanoindentation, and extensive sample preparation facilities. Some of specialized capabilities of these instruments include chemically-sensitive atomic-scale imaging, extreme-resolution SEM of insulating and soft materials, in situ high temperature and electric-field-dependent X-ray diffraction, and in situ microscopy during heating, electrical current, immersion in fluids, and in flowing gases (to name a few). The AIF is constantly acquiring new instruments and developing new capabilities. Please contact aif-contact@ncsu.edu for any questions.