CEMS researchers are utilize imaging, direct measurements, and atomistic simulations to enhance our ability to understand mechanical behavior of nanoscale materials. Utilizing Nanoindenters and PicoIndenters, coupled with in situ analytical TEMs, as well as atomic force microscopes, researchers study 10 nm to 10 µm scale properties of stiffness, strength, plasticity and fracture. Understanding the initial stages of plasticity and fracture on nanoscale metals, ceramics and semiconductors are examples of recent successes.