Welcome to the Shared Materials Characterization Lab (SMCL)!

The SMCL provides materials researchers with access to state-of-the-art microscopy, spectroscopy and diffractometry instrumentation. It supports research across many different departments within Columbia University and welcomes researchers from other academic institutions, government laboratories, and industrial users.

The facility, located in Havemeyer Hall on the Morningside campus, specializes in the characterization of thin-films, 2-dimensional and layered materials, magnetic materials, and polymers. Notably, users can fabricate and characterize air-sensitive materials in a nitrogen-filled glovebox containing a micro-Raman spectrometer, and optical autofinders.

For more information check out our new SMCL flyer.

Become a user!

Please follow the steps outlined here: SMCL Access Protocol.

SMCL users are strongly encouraged to acknowledge the use of the CNI labs and MRSEC facilities in all publications using this recommended language: “The authors acknowledge the use of facilities and instrumentation supported by NSF through the Columbia University, Columbia Nano Initiative, and the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center DMR-2011738”

Staff contact: Dr. Philippe Chow
Director of the Shared Materials Characterization Lab
Email: pc2918@columbia.edu
Office: 544 Havemeyer