CENTER VALLEY, PA — Olympus, a global provider of imaging solution technology, is partnering with the University of Notre Dame's Center for Nano Science and Technology to host a micrograph competition open to all users of the facility. Users can submit any image taken using the Olympus optical microscopes housed in the Notre Dame Nanofabrication Facility.

NDnano is a collaborative research center that includes faculty from seven departments across the colleges of Engineering and Science. The center is focused on developing, characterizing, and applying new nanotechnology-based materials, processes, devices, and solutions that will better society.

Olympus’ microscopy systems are available for use by students and researchers across all fields of study without extra charge upon admission to the NDNF cleanroom. Olympus’ technical specialists are available onsite to assist with application and operational support. Products for use include the SZX16 stereo microscope; LEXT OLS4100 laser confocal microscope; MX51, MX61 and MX-IR industrial inspection microscopes; UC50 and DP72 digital cameras; and Stream image analysis software.

"The use of Olympus' full suite of microscopy systems has successfully encouraged multidisciplinary research and education, and has facilitated collaborations among participating faculty from various departments," said Professor Gary H. Bernstein, department of electrical engineering, Center for Nano Science and Technology at the University of Notre Dame.

The winner of the 2015 NDNF Olympus Optical Micrograph Competition will be chosen by a university committee and announced on the NDnano website by April 8. Prizes of $250, $150 and $100 will be awarded to the top three winners.

For more information, visit olympus-ims.com.