GEM’s Completion of ORNL’s Advanced Microscopy Laboratory Expansion Project
Oak Ridge, Tennessee. GEM Technologies, Inc. (GEM) is pleased to announce the successful completion of Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) Advanced Microscopy Laboratory Expansion (AMLE) project. Originally constructed in 2004, the facility was expanded by approximately 4,300 square feet to support ORNL’s growing research mission and provide additional space for advanced microscopy capabilities. The project was led in the field by Todd Conant, On-Site Supervisor, with Jacob Effler serving as Project Manager and Tom Allen overseeing project safety as Safety Manager.
The expansion was designed to provide the highly controlled environment required to accommodate new aberration-corrected electron microscopes and other sensitive instrumentation used for atomic-scale research. Specialized construction features were incorporated to meet stringent vibration, acoustic noise, and electromagnetic interference criteria — conditions critical to achieving the precision required for advanced electron microscopy.
As part of the expansion, GEM constructed new mechanical and electrical equipment space, two offices, two microscope server/sample preparation rooms, and two microscope instrument rooms. The work required close coordination among multiple construction disciplines to integrate conventional building systems with the specialized infrastructure and environmental controls necessary for the laboratory’s sensitive research equipment.
GEM’s construction team also navigated several unique logistical and technical challenges. Access to the project site was constrained by a bridge with a 50,000-pound capacity, limiting equipment and material transportation options. Additionally, the work area could also only be accessed from the east and west sides, requiring careful planning of deliveries, equipment movements, material staging, and construction sequencing throughout the project.
Among the most technically demanding elements was the installation and integration of specialized construction materials and systems designed to minimize vibration, attenuate acoustic noise, and provide electromagnetic shielding. Unlike conventional laboratory construction, these features required particular attention to installation methods, interfaces, and surrounding conditions to create an environment capable of supporting highly sensitive electron microscope operations.
Todd received congratulatory remarks from ORNL following completion for his good work on the expansion. Reflecting fondly on the project, Todd Conant shared that, “The construction materials, methods, and nuances required to support electron microscope operation made the project particularly unique“. 
Successful completion of the AMLE project demonstrates GEM’s ability to execute technically complex construction within the demanding environment of an active national laboratory. Through detailed planning, coordination, and specialized construction methods, the GEM team successfully delivered an expanded, state-of-the-art facility designed to better support the requirements of advanced microscopy.
The completed expansion strengthens ORNL’s infrastructure for advanced materials characterization and atomic-scale research, providing researchers with additional capabilities to support continued scientific discovery and innovation in East Tennessee.
GEM Content provided by: Todd Conant, Superintendent | Authored by: Olivia Knowling, Operations Support Coordinator | Images provided by: ORNL