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In this polarized light microscopy (PLM) course, students are taught the application of polarized light to characterize and identify microscopic particle types based on their physical and optical properties. Contaminants, fibers, pigments, food products, pollen grains, spores, hairs, glass, combustion products, pharmaceuticals, explosives, minerals and other crystalline and non-crystalline materials can be identified rapidly and accurately with the polarizing light microscope.

Students learn time-honored and highly-specialized PLM methods that can be applied successfully to materials sciences. Training is achieved through lecture/demonstration and, above all, many practical exercises using known and unknown samples.

The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) course emphasizes hands-on learning, using the latest tabletop SEM instruments. Students can study their own samples, or analyze samples provided by our instructor.

During this course, students learn through lecture, demonstration, and hands-on participation how to set up and operate an SEM with EDS instrument. At the end of the SEM course, students with no prior experience can obtain secondary electron (SE) and backscatter electron (BE) micrographs and perform EDS qualitative and quantitative analysis. For students with prior experience, emphasis will be placed on techniques to identify particles and solve practical problems.

Students learn time-honored and highly-specialized PLM methods that can be applied successfully to materials sciences. Training is achieved through lecture/demonstration and, above all, many practical exercises using known and unknown samples.

This FTIR spectroscopy training course provides practical instruction in use of the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscope through demonstrations and laboratory exercises supplemented with lectures. Students are strongly encouraged to bring their own samples for analysis. Class size is limited to offer maximum hands-on participation. Our experienced instructor leads the class, and tailors the laboratory exercises and discussions to the skill level and interests of the students.

This lab course assumes basic knowledge of infrared spectroscopy and operation of an FTIR microscope. There is a brief discussion of infrared theory, and a heavy emphasis on using FTIR microscopy in problem-solving applications. The emphasis is on student sample preparation exercises and the use of different spectral acquisition methods to obtain optimum results.

This is a paint materials identification course for paintings and architecture conservation professionals. The focus of this course is the identification of pigments using polarized light microscopy (PLM). A practical introduction to PLM methods is taught using many pigment samples. Students examine and sample paintings and architectural artifacts, prepare specimens for analysis, perform PLM analysis, and direct or perform further confirmatory analyses.

Other analytical methods used as confirmatory methods are discussed, including microchemical methods, elemental characterization using XRF or SEM/EDS, Raman, and infrared spectroscopy. Methods for characterization of binding media and support canvas materials are also discussed.