Physical Characterization Services at IMSERC
The Physical Characterization area in IMSERC supports Northwestern's research and external users by offering a variety of characterization methods, such as thermal analyses, elemental analyses, and optical spectroscopies. IMSERC Physical Characterization and optical staff provide service work and offer training to qualified researchers to solve their own structures and/or collect their own data.
List of Services
- Thermal Analysis (TGA, DTA, DSC) which can be coupled with GC-MS and/or FR-IR
- X-ray Fluorescence Semiquantitative and Quantitative analysis of elements heavier than Sodium
- Polarimetry for measuring the optical activity exhibited by inorganic and organic compounds
- FTIR Spectroscopy for the identification of unknowns
Steps for Starting Projects
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Set up and account in NUcore
Account request for External User -
Submit project request or contact an IMSERC staff member
Contact an IMSERC staff member before initial submission to validate that your sample is suitable for physical characterization.
Start new project for thermal analysisor XRF elemental analysis -
Ship or drop off samples
You will typically be contacted within 2 business days with data or to set a schedule with you for analysis. Please wait until you receive confirmation from an IMSERC staff member and shipping address before mailing samples for analysis.