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Photograph: AGH University
The AGH University has gained a new laboratory for advanced research on materials microstructure, namely the Interfaculty Laboratory for Transmission Electron Microscopy (MLTME). The Laboratory is a joint initiative of the Faculties of: Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science; Non-Ferrous Metals; and Materials Science and Ceramics.
The Lab’s research infrastructure is based on the JEM-ARM200F NEOARMex transmission electron microscope by the Japanese company Jeol, dedicated to high-resolution microstructural investigation and microanalysis of chemical composition at the micro-, nano- and atomic scales. Using state-of-the-art equipment, scientists will be able to extend their research to include in situ environmental analysis of materials in a static, flowing, electrochemical, or heated liquid environments directly in the microscope.
In comparison to other transmission electron microscopes at the AGH University, this one has a unique configuration. It is equipped in a cold field emission gun which, in cooperation with an automatic spherical aberration (Cs) corrector, enables microstructure and chemical composition studies on an atomic scale.
The new research infrastructure comprises:
- cutting edge 4D-STEM system with the ability to simultaneously acquire electron diffraction and EDS spectrum in each pixel of analysed area,
- cryo-transfer holder, which by cooling the specimens with liquid nitrogen allows to study electron beam-sensitive materials;
- in-situ TEM liquid cell holder, for observations in a liquid environment/liquid state, e.g. in conditions simulating those in the human body. With the use of this holder, it will also be possible to examine chemical, electrochemical, and structural processes occurring in real-time and on the nanoscale, for example ones concerning corrosion.
An undoubted advantage of the microscope is Gatan's state-of-the-art METRO direct electron detection camera. This is the first camera of its kind in Poland to capture microstructure and electron diffraction images with high speed and resolution at both high and low electron beam current density. The work carried out in the laboratory will include the study of metallic, ceramic, and composite materials and electron-beam-sensitive materials such as polymers, including proteins, as well as natural organic materials.
Photograph: AGH University
Professor Agnieszka Kopia, Dean of the Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science, emphasises:
“The acquisition of a new microscope will expand the range of research topics at the Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer Science by tests in liquid environment and electrochemical research. This will favour conducting multidisciplinary research in international teams.”
As added by the Dean of the Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, Professor Włodzimierz Mozgawa:
“Transmission microscopy is one of the most advanced imaging techniques in modern science. The investment does not only increase the research potential of the AGH University, but also supports the development of innovative materials and technologies, especially of nanomaterials, which are crucial for industry and economy. Thanks to such investments, the University is strengthening its position among the leading research centres in Poland and Europe.”
The advanced equipment will allow the AGH University employees and doctoral students to carry out research on cutting-edge materials and technologies at the world level.
“The purchased device is the latest implementation of the scientific and engineering technical thought for analysing matter at the level of atoms. The originality of the microscope is that it allows to study not only metals, but also fluids and human biological environment. This will allow the AGH University staff to reach a milestone in Materials Science,” specified Professor Tadeusz Knych, Dean of the Faculty of Non-Ferrous Metals.
The installation of the new transmission microscope took nearly 6 months to finish and was preceded by the adaptation of spaces to the operation of advanced equipment. The laboratory’s research infrastructure was co-financed within the IDUB project, Action 8: Co-financing the purchase of modern scientific research infrastructure, Priority Research Area 7: Design, production, and testing of modern materials and technologies of the future.
More information on the Interfaculty Laboratory for Transmission Electron Microscopy may be found at https://mltme.agh.edu.pl/en
Photograph: AGH University
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