MicroED or Microcystal Electron Diffraction
Published on August 18, 2026
MicroED to see the atomic structure
Microcrystal Electron Diffraction (MicroED) allows to determine atomic structures from crystals that are far too small for conventional X-ray diffraction. This technique enables researchers to solve structures from nanometer- to micrometer-sized crystals using minimal sample quantities, opening new opportunities in chemistry, materials science, and pharmaceutical research.
This technique is rewarding because it demonstrates how electron microscopy extends far beyond imaging, bringing together concepts from physics, chemistry, and crystallography, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of modern research while helping answer fundamental questions about the atomic structure and properties of materials.
Angel Valdez is a Research Associate at the Facility for Electron Microscopy Research (FEMR) at McGill University, where heI develops and applies electron microscopy techniques for materials characterization and structural analysis. His expertise includes Microcrystal Electron Diffraction (MicroED), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), electron tomography, and cryogenic electron microscopy. He is particularly interested in developing new workflows that expand the capabilities of electron microscopy and make advanced techniques more accessible to the scientific community.
Angel Valdez holds a Ph.D. in Energy and Materials Science from INRS in Quebec. He subsequently joined McGill University, where he currently works as a Research Associate at FEMR. His research focuses on developing innovative electron microscopy methodologies. In addition to research, he enjoys supporting users providing technical and training support, teaching microscopy techniques, and organizing workshops and presentations that help researchers make the most of advanced microscopy instrumentation.
Webinar on Microcystal Electron Diffraction (MicroED)
To learn more about microcrystal electron diffraction, do not miss the upcoming webinar named MicroED in practice : from crystal diffraction to molecular structures. Le webinaire sera le 9 octobre 2026, à 11h, inscrivez-vous dès maintenant pour recevoir le lien. Consultez our resources' page or subscribing to the Newsletter to stay informed.
This webinar will present fundamental techniques of microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) and its application to determine the structures of small molecules. Participants will learn about the main steps of the workflow, froo sample preparation to measurements, and to data treatment, as well as optimisation strategies allowing to obtain structures from microcrystals.