Princeton University’s Office of the Dean for Research published a story on the cutting-edge technology that is used in classrooms around Princeton University: Readying for research: Classes bring cutting-edge equipment into the hands of undergrads.

Students in the course “Laboratory Techniques in Materials Science and Engineering” (MSE 302) are learning how to use large and sophisticated pieces of equipment to probe materials that are several times smaller than the width of a human hair.

The instruments are part of Princeton’s Imaging and Analysis Center, located in the lower level of the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment where they are insulated from vibrations from traffic and other disturbances. Several of these instruments are the latest and most sophisticated versions the field has to offer. The tools can be used to characterize materials that are being developed for emerging solar cell and battery applications.