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Dynamic Imaging Lab

Revealing Processes in Motion

At the Dynamic Imaging Lab, we provide unparalleled insights into how materials and processes change over time, enabling faster, more robust discoveries.

What makes the Dynamic Imaging Lab unique?

Dynamic vs. Static Imaging: We move beyond static images to capture movies and motion at very small scales, revealing how things evolve through time.
Temporal Resolution: Our key differentiator is the ability to achieve high temporal resolution of critical processes, providing a deeper understanding of dynamic phenomena.
Faster, More Robust Understanding: By observing dynamics, we enable a quicker and more comprehensive grasp of complex processes, leading to better questions and more effective solutions.
Catalyst for Innovation: DIL is a springboard for new outcomes, empowering researchers to perform previously impossible tasks easily and accessibly.

This facility provides us with the capability to perform cutting-edge research that we couldn't have done otherwise.

Client testimonial

At Cenergy, our technology deals with novel materials like nanoparticles, complex fluids like foams, and understanding the interaction of those materials underground is very important for us. The Dynamic Imaging Lab provides those capabilities for us to understand the interaction of those materials, fluids, and rock interaction, and basically observe those interactions.

Client from Cenergy

A view of the equipment in the Dynamic Imaging Lab

The Dynamic Imaging Lab (DIL) is a cutting-edge facility dedicated to observing and understanding how materials and processes change over time at incredibly small scales. Unlike traditional static imaging, our focus is on motion and movement, providing unparalleled insights into the dynamic interactions crucial for next-generation material science.

Our unique capabilities offer the temporal resolution needed to truly understand processes, leading to more robust insights, faster discoveries, and ultimately, better solutions. We are committed to driving a "discovery-to-impact pipeline," transforming fundamental science into real-world applications and supporting the growth of new ventures.

Lab Investment

The 3,600 sq. ft. Dynamic Imaging Lab (DIL) is located in the basement of the University Research Centre, This facility is specifically designed to enable researchers to study microscopic processes at high resolution through time. The advanced equipment housed here has the power to transform clean energy technology research.

The DIL represents an significant investment of $5.1M from the University of Calgary’s $75M Canada First Research Excellence Fund program, the Global Research Initiative (GRI) in Sustainable Low Carbon Unconventional Resources, the NSERC Canada Excellence Research Chair in Materials Engineering for Unconventional Oil Reservoirs (CERC), and the Office of the Vice-President (Research).

The Team

Our key differentiator is our full-service approach. We don't just provide equipment; we provide an experienced operator to partner with you on your project. This means you don't have to deal with a learning curve or time lost to training—you can begin data acquisition immediately with high efficiency. Our SEM technician, Chris, handles all technical aspects, so your team can focus on the research.

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Applications

The DIL's capabilities are highly versatile and applicable across a broad spectrum of research fields, providing solutions for complex questions across disciplines.

Energy Research: Understand interfaces and material changes for energy storage, transportation, and end-use in both traditional and renewable energy systems.
Basic Materials Research: Discover new materials and understand their properties and interactions, especially novel materials like nanoparticles and complex fluids (e.g., foams).
Environmental Science: Study the degradation of microplastics, the transport of contaminants through soil, and the formation of biofilms in real-time to inform environmental remediation strategies.
Medical and Biological Research: Visualize the dynamics of drug delivery systems, the integration of biomaterials with tissues, and the movements of cells to develop new therapies and medical technologies.
Food Science and Agriculture: Observe how food emulsions and foams change their structure over time, and analyze how nutrients and pesticides interact with soil particles to enhance food quality and agricultural practices.
Electronics and Nanotechnology: Analyze the performance and failure mechanisms of materials in batteries and fuel cells during charge/discharge cycles, and study the growth of thin films and nanomaterials to advance next-generation electronics.

Our Services

We offer a comprehensive range of SEM services tailored to your needs, all managed by our expert technician.

Full-Service SEM Imaging: We provide imaging using secondary electron (SE), backscatter electron (BSE), cathodoluminescence (CL), and X-ray mapping with full hyperspectral acquisition.
Elemental Analysis: Qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of your sample's elemental composition.
In-Situ Experiments: Conduct experiments in real-time on our heating/cooling stages, with a hot stage capable of reaching 1000°C.
CryoSEM: Ideal for thermally sensitive materials or samples that are typically liquid (e.g., gels, emulsions, porous media with in-situ pore fluids).

Collaborative Approach

We acquire the images and data for you, ensuring the highest quality results. While you lead the broader research, we are always available to help you interpret your data, distinguish between real phenomena and experimental artifacts, and offer helpful suggestions on how to best approach your research using our tools.