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Gault B, Chiaramonti A, Cojocaru-Mirédin O, Stender P, Dubosq R, Freysoldt C, Makineni SK, Li T, Moody M, Cairney JM. Atom probe tomography. NATURE REVIEWS. METHODS PRIMERS 2021; 1:10.1038/s43586-021-00047-w. [PMID: 37719173 PMCID: PMC10502706 DOI: 10.1038/s43586-021-00047-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Atom probe tomography (APT) provides three-dimensional compositional mapping with sub-nanometre resolution. The sensitivity of APT is in the range of parts per million for all elements, including light elements such as hydrogen, carbon or lithium, enabling unique insights into the composition of performance-enhancing or lifetime-limiting microstructural features and making APT ideally suited to complement electron-based or X-ray-based microscopies and spectroscopies. Here, we provide an introductory overview of APT ranging from its inception as an evolution of field ion microscopy to the most recent developments in specimen preparation, including for nanomaterials. We touch on data reconstruction, analysis and various applications, including in the geosciences and the burgeoning biological sciences. We review the underpinnings of APT performance and discuss both strengths and limitations of APT, including how the community can improve on current shortcomings. Finally, we look forwards to true atomic-scale tomography with the ability to measure the isotopic identity and spatial coordinates of every atom in an ever wider range of materials through new specimen preparation routes, novel laser pulsing and detector technologies, and full interoperability with complementary microscopy techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Gault
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Materials, Royal School of Mines, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Ann Chiaramonti
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Applied Chemicals and Materials Division, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | - Patrick Stender
- Institute of Materials Science, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Renelle Dubosq
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Tong Li
- Institute for Materials, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michael Moody
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julie M. Cairney
- Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Cheng Y, Cojocaru-Mirédin O, Keutgen J, Yu Y, Küpers M, Schumacher M, Golub P, Raty JY, Dronskowski R, Wuttig M. Understanding the Structure and Properties of Sesqui-Chalcogenides (i.e., V 2 VI 3 or Pn 2 Ch 3 (Pn = Pnictogen, Ch = Chalcogen) Compounds) from a Bonding Perspective. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1904316. [PMID: 31489721 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201904316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A number of sesqui-chalcogenides show remarkable properties, which make them attractive for applications as thermoelectrics, topological insulators, and phase-change materials. To see if these properties can be related to a special bonding mechanism, seven sesqui-chalcogenides (Bi2 Te3 , Bi2 Se3 , Bi2 S3 , Sb2 Te3 , Sb2 Se3 , Sb2 S3 , and β-As2 Te3 ) and GaSe are investigated. Atom probe tomography studies reveal that four of the seven sesqui-chalcogenides (Bi2 Te3 , Bi2 Se3 , Sb2 Te3 , and β-As2 Te3 ) show an unconventional bond-breaking mechanism. The same four compounds evidence a remarkable property portfolio in density functional theory calculations including large Born effective charges, high optical dielectric constants, low Debye temperatures and an almost metal-like electrical conductivity. These results are indicative for unconventional bonding leading to physical properties distinctively different from those caused by covalent, metallic, or ionic bonding. The experiments reveal that this bonding mechanism prevails in four sesqui-chalcogenides, characterized by rather short interlayer distances at the van der Waals like gaps, suggestive of significant interlayer coupling. These conclusions are further supported by a subsequent quantum-chemistry-based bonding analysis employing charge partitioning, which reveals that the four sesqui-chalcogenides with unconventional properties are characterized by modest levels of charge transfer and sharing of about one electron between adjacent atoms. Finally, the 3D maps for different properties reveal discernible property trends and enable material design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudong Cheng
- I. Institute of Physics, Physics of Novel Materials, RWTH Aachen University, 52056, Aachen, Germany
| | - Oana Cojocaru-Mirédin
- I. Institute of Physics, Physics of Novel Materials, RWTH Aachen University, 52056, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jens Keutgen
- I. Institute of Physics, Physics of Novel Materials, RWTH Aachen University, 52056, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yuan Yu
- I. Institute of Physics, Physics of Novel Materials, RWTH Aachen University, 52056, Aachen, Germany
| | - Michael Küpers
- Chair of Solid State and Quantum Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mathias Schumacher
- Institute for Theoretical Solid State Physics, RWTH Aachen University, 52056, Aachen, Germany
| | - Pavlo Golub
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Jean-Yves Raty
- CESAM and Physics of Solids, Interfaces and Nanostructures, B5, Université de Liège, B4000, Sart-Tilman, Belgium
- UGA, CEA-LETI, MINATEC Campus, 17 rue des Martyrs, F38054, Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Richard Dronskowski
- Chair of Solid State and Quantum Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056, Aachen, Germany
- Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance (JARA FIT and JARA HPC), RWTH Aachen University, 52056, Aachen, Germany
- Hoffmann Institute of Advanced Materials, Shenzhen Polytechnic, 7098 Liuxian Blvd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Matthias Wuttig
- I. Institute of Physics, Physics of Novel Materials, RWTH Aachen University, 52056, Aachen, Germany
- Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance (JARA FIT and JARA HPC), RWTH Aachen University, 52056, Aachen, Germany
- JARA-Institute: Energy-Efficient Information Technology (Green IT), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, 52428, Jülich, Germany
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La Fontaine A, Piazolo S, Trimby P, Yang L, Cairney JM. Laser-Assisted Atom Probe Tomography of Deformed Minerals: A Zircon Case Study. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2017; 23:404-413. [PMID: 28134066 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927616012745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The application of atom probe tomography to the study of minerals is a rapidly growing area. Picosecond-pulsed, ultraviolet laser (UV-355 nm) assisted atom probe tomography has been used to analyze trace element mobility within dislocations and low-angle boundaries in plastically deformed specimens of the nonconductive mineral zircon (ZrSiO4), a key material to date the earth's geological events. Here we discuss important experimental aspects inherent in the atom probe tomography investigation of this important mineral, providing insights into the challenges in atom probe tomography characterization of minerals as a whole. We studied the influence of atom probe tomography analysis parameters on features of the mass spectra, such as the thermal tail, as well as the overall data quality. Three zircon samples with different uranium and lead content were analyzed, and particular attention was paid to ion identification in the mass spectra and detection limits of the key trace elements, lead and uranium. We also discuss the correlative use of electron backscattered diffraction in a scanning electron microscope to map the deformation in the zircon grains, and the combined use of transmission Kikuchi diffraction and focused ion beam sample preparation to assist preparation of the final atom probe tip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre La Fontaine
- 1School of Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronic Engineering,The University of Sydney,NSW 2006,Australia
| | - Sandra Piazolo
- 3Department of Earth and Planetary Science,Macquarie University,NSW 2109,Australia
| | - Patrick Trimby
- 2Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis,The University of Sydney,NSW 2006,Australia
| | - Limei Yang
- 2Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis,The University of Sydney,NSW 2006,Australia
| | - Julie M Cairney
- 1School of Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronic Engineering,The University of Sydney,NSW 2006,Australia
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Karahka M, Kreuzer H. Field evaporation of insulators and semiconductors: Theoretical insights for ZnO. Ultramicroscopy 2015; 159 Pt 2:156-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Lee J, Cha E, Kim Y, Chae B, Kim J, Lee S, Hwang H, Park C. A study of threshold switching of NbO2 using atom probe tomography and transmission electron microscopy. Micron 2015; 79:101-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2015.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Nickerson BS, Karahka M, Kreuzer HJ. Disintegration and field evaporation of thiolate polymers in high electric fields. Ultramicroscopy 2015; 159 Pt 2:173-7. [PMID: 25825029 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2015.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Revised: 03/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
High electrostatic fields cause major changes in polymers, structural (e.g. electrostriction) and electronic (e.g. reduction of the "band gap" with final metallization). Using density functional theory we have studied field effects on amino-alkane-thiols and perfluoro-alkane-thiols adsorbed on a metal substrate. Our results agree well with the APT fragmentation spectra obtained by Stoffers, Oberdorfer and Schmitz and shed light on disintegration pathways. We demonstrate that in SAMs the HOMO/LUMO gap is again reduced as a function of the field strength and vanishes at evaporation. We also follow the field dependence of the dielectric constant and polarizability.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Nickerson
- Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 3J5.
| | - M Karahka
- Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 3J5
| | - H J Kreuzer
- Department of Physics and Atmospheric Science, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 3J5
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La Fontaine A, Gault B, Breen A, Stephenson L, Ceguerra AV, Yang L, Nguyen TD, Zhang J, Young DJ, Cairney JM. Interpreting atom probe data from chromium oxide scales. Ultramicroscopy 2015; 159 Pt 2:354-9. [PMID: 25796357 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Revised: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Picosecond-pulsed ultraviolet-laser (UV-355 nm) assisted atom probe tomography (APT) was used to analyze protective, thermally grown chromium oxides formed on stainless steel. The influence of analysis parameters on the thermal tail observed in the mass spectra and the chemical composition is investigated. A new parameter termed "laser sensitivity factor" is introduced in order to quantify the effect of laser energy on the extent of the thermal tail. This parameter is used to compare the effect of increasing laser energy on thermal tails in chromia and chromite samples. Also explored is the effect of increasing laser energy on the measured oxygen content and the effect of specimen base temperature and laser pulse frequency on the mass spectrum. Finally, we report a preliminary analysis of molecular ion dissociations in chromia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre La Fontaine
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Baptiste Gault
- Department of Materials, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PH, UK
| | - Andrew Breen
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Leigh Stephenson
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Anna V Ceguerra
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Limei Yang
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Thuan Dinh Nguyen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jianqiang Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - David J Young
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Julie M Cairney
- School of Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronic Engineering, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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Silaeva EP, Arnoldi L, Karahka ML, Deconihout B, Menand A, Kreuzer HJ, Vella A. Do dielectric nanostructures turn metallic in high-electric dc fields? NANO LETTERS 2014; 14:6066-6072. [PMID: 25271987 DOI: 10.1021/nl502715s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional dielectric nanostructures have been analyzed using field ion microscopy (FIM) to study the electric dc field penetration inside these structures. The field is proved to be screened within a few nanometers as theoretically calculated taking into account the high-field impact ionization process. Moreover, the strong dc field of the order of 0.1 V/Å at the surface inside a dielectric nanostructure modifies its band structure leading to a strong band gap shrinkage and thus to a strong metal-like optical absorption near the surface. This metal-like behavior was theoretically predicted using first-principle calculations and experimentally proved using laser-assisted atom probe tomography (APT). This work opens up interesting perspectives for the study of the performance of all field-effect nanodevices, such as nanotransistor or super capacitor, and for the understanding of the physical mechanisms of field evaporation of dielectric nanotips in APT.
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Affiliation(s)
- E P Silaeva
- Groupe de Physique des Matériaux UMR CNRS 6634, Normandie Université, Université-INSA de Rouen , Avenue de l'Université BP 12, 76801 Saint Etienne du Rouvray, France
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Effects of laser energy and wavelength on the analysis of LiFePO₄ using laser assisted atom probe tomography. Ultramicroscopy 2014; 148:57-66. [PMID: 25282512 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The effects of laser wavelength (355 nm and 532 nm) and laser pulse energy on the quantitative analysis of LiFePO₄ by atom probe tomography are considered. A systematic investigation of ultraviolet (UV, 355 nm) and green (532 nm) laser assisted field evaporation has revealed distinctly different behaviors. With the use of a UV laser, the major issue was identified as the preferential loss of oxygen (up to 10 at%) while other elements (Li, Fe and P) were observed to be close to nominal ratios. Lowering the laser energy per pulse to 1 pJ/pulse from 50 pJ/pulse increased the observed oxygen concentration to nearer its correct stoichiometry, which was also well correlated with systematically higher concentrations of (16)O₂(+) ions. Green laser assisted field evaporation led to the selective loss of Li (~33% deficiency) and a relatively minor O deficiency. The loss of Li is likely a result of selective dc evaporation of Li between or after laser pulses. Comparison of the UV and green laser data suggests that the green wavelength energy was absorbed less efficiently than the UV wavelength because of differences in absorption at 355 and 532 nm for LiFePO₄. Plotting of multihit events on Saxey plots also revealed a strong neutral O2 loss from molecular dissociation, but quantification of this loss was insufficient to account for the observed oxygen deficiency.
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Devaraj A, Colby R, Vurpillot F, Thevuthasan S. Understanding Atom Probe Tomography of Oxide-Supported Metal Nanoparticles by Correlation with Atomic-Resolution Electron Microscopy and Field Evaporation Simulation. J Phys Chem Lett 2014; 5:1361-1367. [PMID: 26269980 DOI: 10.1021/jz500259c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Oxide-supported metal nanoparticles are widely used in heterogeneous catalysis. The increasingly detailed design of such catalysts necessitates three-dimensional characterization with high spatial resolution and elemental selectivity. Laser-assisted atom probe tomography (APT) is uniquely suited to the task but faces challenges with the evaporation of metal/insulator systems. Correlation of APT with aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), for Au nanoparticles embedded in MgO, reveals preferential evaporation of the MgO and an inaccurate assessment of nanoparticle composition. Finite element field evaporation modeling is used to illustrate the evolution of the evaporation front. Nanoparticle composition is most accurately predicted when the MgO is treated as having a locally variable evaporation field, indicating the importance of considering laser-oxide interactions and the evaporation of various molecular oxide ions. These results demonstrate the viability of APT for analysis of oxide-supported metal nanoparticles, highlighting the need for developing a theoretical framework for the evaporation of heterogeneous materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Devaraj
- †Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - Robert Colby
- †Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - François Vurpillot
- ‡Groupe de Physique des Matériaux, UMR 6634 CNRS, Université et INSA de Rouen, 76801 St Etienne du Rouvray, France
| | - Suntharampillai Thevuthasan
- †Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
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Vella A. On the interaction of an ultra-fast laser with a nanometric tip by laser assisted atom probe tomography: A review. Ultramicroscopy 2013; 132:5-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2013.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2012] [Revised: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Blind deconvolution of time-of-flight mass spectra from atom probe tomography. Ultramicroscopy 2013; 132:60-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2013.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2012] [Revised: 03/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Field evaporation of oxides: A theoretical study. Ultramicroscopy 2013; 132:54-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2012.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Revised: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Devaraj A, Colby R, Hess WP, Perea DE, Thevuthasan S. Role of Photoexcitation and Field Ionization in the Measurement of Accurate Oxide Stoichiometry by Laser-Assisted Atom Probe Tomography. J Phys Chem Lett 2013; 4:993-8. [PMID: 26291366 DOI: 10.1021/jz400015h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The addition of pulsed lasers to atom probe tomography (APT) extends its high spatial and mass resolution capability to nonconducting materials, such as oxides. For a prototypical metal oxide, MgO, the measured stoichiometry depends strongly on the laser pulse energy and applied voltage. Very low laser energies (0.02 pJ) and high electric fields yield optimal stoichiometric accuracy. Correlated APT and aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used to establish the high density of corner and terrace sites on MgO sample surfaces before and after APT. For MgO, long-lifetime photoexcited holes localized at oxygen corner sites can assist in the creation of oxygen neutrals that may spontaneously desorb either as atomic O or as molecular O2. The observed trends are best explained by the relative field-dependent ionization of photodesorbed O or O2 neutrals. These results emphasize the importance of considering electronic excitations in APT analysis of oxide materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Devaraj
- †Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory and ‡Physical Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O Box 999, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - R Colby
- †Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory and ‡Physical Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O Box 999, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - W P Hess
- †Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory and ‡Physical Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O Box 999, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - D E Perea
- †Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory and ‡Physical Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O Box 999, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
| | - S Thevuthasan
- †Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory and ‡Physical Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O Box 999, Richland, Washington 99352, United States
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Kuchibhatla SVNT, Shutthanandan V, Prosa TJ, Adusumilli P, Arey B, Buxbaum A, Wang YC, Tessner T, Ulfig R, Wang CM, Thevuthasan S. Three-dimensional chemical imaging of embedded nanoparticles using atom probe tomography. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2012; 23:215704. [PMID: 22551877 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/23/21/215704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of nanoparticles is often challenging especially when they are embedded in a matrix. Hence, we have used laser-assisted atom probe tomography (APT) to analyze the Au nanoclusters synthesized in situ using ion-beam implantation in a single crystal MgO matrix. APT analysis along with scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (STEM-EDX) indicated that the nanoparticles have an average size ~8-12 nm. While it is difficult to analyze the composition of individual nanoparticles using STEM, APT analysis can give three-dimensional compositions of the same. It was shown that the maximum Au concentration in the nanoparticles increases with increasing particle size, with a maximum Au concentration of up to 50%.
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