Hummingbird Scientific engineers complete in-situ microscopy systems, not just specimen holders
Hummingbird Scientific develops complete in-situ microscopy systems for TEM, cryo-EM, SEM, and X-ray microscopy through integrated capabilities in engineering, manufacturing, MEMS microfabrication, calibration, and experimental validation.
Our multidisciplinary team combines expertise in precision engineering, electronics, software, vacuum systems, microfluidics, and cryogenics to transform complex research challenges into reliable scientific instruments.
A company-owned engineering and manufacturing facility
Hummingbird Scientific operates from a company-owned engineering and manufacturing facility in Lacey, Washington, built around scientific instrument development. That matters because advanced microscopy hardware is not created in isolated steps. Design, machining, assembly, calibration, software development, and microscope validation all have to stay close enough for the team to learn from the work.
Owning and operating our own facility gives us long-term control over the environment where critical instrument work happens. Engineers can work directly with machinists. Machinists can help improve manufacturability. Technicians can flag assembly issues early. Calibration data can feed back into the next design. Applications scientists can test hardware under real microscope conditions.
For customers, this means Hummingbird can support standard products, modified systems, and selective custom instrumentation with a deeper connection between design intent and finished hardware. For technical people, it means the work is real, physical, and close to the tools that make it possible.
This is not just where we work. It is part of how we engineer.
Our capabilities and facilities
Engineering
From first-principles analysis and 3D CAD to prototyping, testing, and validation, see how Hummingbird develops advanced microscopy systems through integrated engineering, software, electronics, and manufacturing.
Manufacturing and assembly
Our precision machine shop is the foundation of our in-house manufacturing, producing high-tolerance components for in situ microscopy. Paired with dedicated assembly and inspection, it ensures every part meets exacting performance and quality standards.
In-house microfabrication
Our work is supported by a dedicated microfabrication division that develops MEMS chips and custom devices for in situ microscopy systems, including gas, liquid, heating, and electrical biasing applications.
Calibration and inspection lab
Every instrument is checked and refined in our in-house Calibration Lab before it leaves our facility. We measure thermal, electrical, and magnetic performance to ensure stable, accurate readouts that you can rely on from the start of every experiment.
TEM and cryo-EM labs on site
Every holder is validated under real beam conditions in our in-house TEM and cryo-EM labs before delivery. We test for drift, thermal stability, vacuum performance, and signal quality — not just mechanical fit. If something needs to change, we catch it before it ships to your facility.
Core expertise
Developing advanced in situ microscopy systems requires expertise across engineering, manufacturing, microfabrication, software, calibration, and experimental validation. The capabilities below represent the technical disciplines that support every stage of development, from concept and MEMS design to instrument control, metrology, and TEM and cryo-EM applications.
Our core areas of expertise include:
- Mechanical System Design
- Electronics and Control Systems
- Instrument Control Software
- Vacuum, Fluidic, and Gas Delivery Systems
- MEMS Design and Microfabrication
- Precision Manufacturing
- System Assembly and Integration
- Calibration and Metrology
- TEM Applications and Validation
- Cryo-EM Applications and Validation
- Custom Instrument Development