Northumbria Materials Characterisation Laboratory

Northumbria Materials Characterisation Laboratory (NMCL) is an open-access facility providing advanced materials analysis services to commercial and academic clients throughout the UK. 

Our laboratory concentrates an exceptional breadth of state-of-the-art characterisation equipment in a single, conveniently accessible location. Our comprehensive capabilities include focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy, environmental scanning electron microscopy - all with a broad range of detectors, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and a full range of optical spectroscopy techniques including Raman microscopy, fluorescence, photoluminescence and time-resolved photoluminescence. This diversity of co-located equipment enables us to investigate multiscale material properties spanning from the atomic to macroscale, serving sectors as varied as engineering materials, renewable energy technologies, biomaterials, and advanced composites.

What distinguishes our facility is not just our equipment portfolio, but our consultative, problem-solving approach to client partnerships. Our dedicated team of scientific officers and laboratory technicians work closely with each client to understand their specific challenges, recommending tailored packages of analysis designed to deliver actionable insights rather than simply raw data. By bringing multiple advanced techniques together under one roof with expert support, we eliminate the time delays and logistical complications of coordinating analysis across multiple external facilities. Whether you're investigating material mysteries at the nanoscale, solving production challenges, or advancing research and development, NMCL provides the sophisticated tools, technical expertise, and responsive service that complex materials problems demand.

Ready to solve your materials challenges? Submit an enquiry today.