It is important to understand how the microstructure down to atomic dimensions can be changed by a variation in process variables. It is equally important to understand how the microstructure determines the material properties (mechanical, electrical and so on). Example of research activities within the field of microscopy and microanalysis include the investigation, development and improvement of the fine-scale microstructure of technologically important materials.

The research relates to developing and improving a fundamental understanding of the fine-scale microstructure of technologically important materials, its manipulation and importance in determining the properties of materials. The main research tools are analytical electron microscopy, atom-probe field ion microscopy and microbeam X-ray equipment. Scientists and graduate students within the division collaborate with many companies and other research groups, both within and outside Chalmers University of Technology.