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Jaime F, Desbief S, Silvent J, Goupil G, Bernacki M, Bozzolo N, Nicolaÿ A. Study of curtaining effect reduction methods in Inconel 718 using a plasma focused ion beam. J Microsc 2024; 295:287-299. [PMID: 38757719 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.13320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The curtaining effect is a common challenge in focused ion beam (FIB) surface preparation. This study investigates methods to reduce this effect during plasma FIB milling of Inconel 718 (nickel-based superalloy). Platinum deposition, silicon mask and XeF2 gas injection were explored as potential solutions. These methods were evaluated for two ion beam current conditions; a high ion beam intensity condition (30 kV-1 µA) and a medium one (30 kV-100 nA) and their impact on curtaining reduction and resulting cross-section quality was assessed quantitatively thanks to topographic measurements done by atomic force microscopy (AFM). XeF2 assistance notably improved cross-section quality at medium current level. Pt deposition and Si mask individually mitigated the curtaining effect, with greater efficacy at 100 nA. Both methods also contributed to reducing cross-section curvature, with the Si mask outperforming Pt deposition. However, combining Pt deposition and Si mask with XeF2 injection led to deterioration of these protective layers and the reappearance of the curtaining effect after a quite short exposure time.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Jaime
- Mines Paris, PSL University, Centre for material forming (CEMEF), UMR CNRS, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | | | - J Silvent
- Orsay Physics, Tescan group, Fuveau, France
| | - G Goupil
- Orsay Physics, Tescan group, Fuveau, France
| | - M Bernacki
- Mines Paris, PSL University, Centre for material forming (CEMEF), UMR CNRS, Sophia Antipolis, France
| | - N Bozzolo
- Mines Paris, PSL University, Centre for material forming (CEMEF), UMR CNRS, Sophia Antipolis, France
- SafranTech, Materials & Process Department, Safran SA, Magny-Les-Hameaux Cedex, France
| | - A Nicolaÿ
- Mines Paris, PSL University, Centre for material forming (CEMEF), UMR CNRS, Sophia Antipolis, France
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2
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Antao NV, Sall J, Petzold C, Ekiert DC, Bhabha G, Liang FX. Sample preparation and data collection for serial block face scanning electron microscopy of mammalian cell monolayers. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301284. [PMID: 39121154 PMCID: PMC11315281 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Volume electron microscopy encompasses a set of electron microscopy techniques that can be used to examine the ultrastructure of biological tissues and cells in three dimensions. Two block face techniques, focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) and serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) have often been used to study biological tissue samples. More recently, these techniques have been adapted to in vitro tissue culture samples. Here we describe step-by-step protocols for two sample embedding methods for in vitro tissue culture cells intended to be studied using SBF-SEM. The first focuses on cell pellet embedding and the second on en face embedding. En face embedding can be combined with light microscopy, and this CLEM workflow can be used to identify specific biological events by light microscopy, which can then be imaged using SBF-SEM. We systematically outline the steps necessary to fix, stain, embed and image adherent tissue culture cell monolayers by SBF-SEM. In addition to sample preparation, we discuss optimization of parameters for data collection. We highlight the challenges and key steps of sample preparation, and the consideration of imaging variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle V. Antao
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Joseph Sall
- Office of Science and Research Microscopy Laboratory, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Christopher Petzold
- Office of Science and Research Microscopy Laboratory, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Damian C. Ekiert
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Gira Bhabha
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Feng-Xia Liang
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
- Office of Science and Research Microscopy Laboratory, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
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3
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Gholinia A, Donoghue J, Garner A, Curd M, Lawson MJ, Winiarski B, Geurts R, Withers PJ, Burnett TL. Exploration of fs-laser ablation parameter space for 2D/3D imaging of soft and hard materials by tri-beam microscopy. Ultramicroscopy 2024; 257:113903. [PMID: 38101083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2023.113903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Tri-beam microscopes comprising a fs-laser beam, a Xe+ plasma focused ion beam (PFIB) and an electron beam all in one chamber open up exciting opportunities for site-specific correlative microscopy. They offer the possibility of rapid ablation and material removal by fs-laser, subsequent polishing by Xe-PFIB milling and electron imaging of the same area. While tri-beam systems are capable of probing large (mm) volumes providing high resolution microscopical characterisation of 2D and 3D images across exceptionally wide range of materials and biomaterials applications, presenting high quality/low damage surfaces to the electron beam can present a significant challenge, especially given the large parameter space for optimisation. Here the optimal conditions and artefacts associated with large scale volume milling, mini test piece manufacture, serial sectioning and surface polishing are investigated, both in terms of surface roughness and surface quality for metallic, ceramic, mixed complex phase, carbonaceous, and biological materials. This provides a good starting place for those wishing to examine large areas or volumes by tri-beam microscopy across a range of materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gholinia
- Department of Materials, Henry Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - J Donoghue
- Department of Materials, Henry Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - A Garner
- Department of Materials, Henry Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - M Curd
- Department of Materials, Henry Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - M J Lawson
- Department of Materials, Henry Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - B Winiarski
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Pecha 1282/12, Brno 62700, Czech Republic
| | - R Geurts
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Achtseweg Noord 5, Eindhoven 5651GG, The Netherlands
| | - P J Withers
- Department of Materials, Henry Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - T L Burnett
- Department of Materials, Henry Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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4
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Surface morphologies, chemical compositions and luminescent properties of ZnO thin films flattened by ion milling procedure. RESULTS IN SURFACES AND INTERFACES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rsurfi.2023.100105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
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5
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Mitchell RL, Dunlop T, Volkenandt T, Russell J, Davies P, Spooner S, Pleydell-Pearce C, Johnston R. Methods to expose subsurface objects of interest identified from 3D imaging: The intermediate sample preparation stage in the correlative microscopy workflow. J Microsc 2023; 289:107-127. [PMID: 36399637 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.13159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The correlative imaging workflow is a method of combining information and data across modes (e.g. SEM, X-ray CT, FIB-SEM), scales (cm to nm) and dimensions (2D-3D-4D), providing a more holistic interpretation of the research question. Often, subsurface objects of interest (e.g. inclusions, pores, cracks, defects in multilayered samples) are identified from initial exploratory nondestructive 3D tomographic imaging (e.g. X-ray CT, XRM), and those objects need to be studied using additional techniques to obtain, for example, 2D chemical or crystallographic data. Consequently, an intermediate sample preparation step needs to be completed, where a targeted amount of sample surface material is removed, exposing and revealing the object of interest. At present, there is not one singular technique for removing varied thicknesses at high resolution and on a range of scales from cm to nm. Here, we review the manual and automated options currently available for targeted sample material removal, with a focus on those methods which are readily accessible in most laboratories. We summarise the approaches for manual grinding and polishing, automated grinding and polishing, microtome/ultramicrotome, and broad-beam ion milling (BBIM), with further review of other more specialist techniques including serial block face electron microscopy (SBF-SEM), and ion milling and laser approaches such as FIB-SEM, Xe plasma FIB-SEM, and femtosecond laser/LaserFIB. We also address factors which may influence the decision on a particular technique, including the composition, shape and size of the samples, sample mounting limitations, the amount of surface material to be removed, the accuracy and/or resolution of peripheral parts, the accuracy and/or resolution of the technique/instrumentation, and other more general factors such as accessibility to instrumentation, costs, and the time taken for experimentation. It is hoped that this study will provide researchers with a range of options for removal of specific amounts of sample surface material to reach subsurface objects of interest in both correlative and non-correlative workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Mitchell
- Advanced Imaging of Materials (AIM) Core Facility, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea, UK
- Sheffield Tomography Centre (STC), Kroto Research Institute, The University of Sheffield, North Campus, Sheffield, UK
| | - T Dunlop
- Advanced Imaging of Materials (AIM) Core Facility, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea, UK
| | | | - J Russell
- Advanced Imaging of Materials (AIM) Core Facility, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea, UK
| | - P Davies
- Advanced Imaging of Materials (AIM) Core Facility, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea, UK
| | - S Spooner
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea, UK
| | - C Pleydell-Pearce
- Advanced Imaging of Materials (AIM) Core Facility, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea, UK
| | - R Johnston
- Advanced Imaging of Materials (AIM) Core Facility, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Bay Campus, Swansea, UK
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6
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Kievits AJ, Lane R, Carroll EC, Hoogenboom JP. How innovations in methodology offer new prospects for volume electron microscopy. J Microsc 2022; 287:114-137. [PMID: 35810393 PMCID: PMC9546337 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.13134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Detailed knowledge of biological structure has been key in understanding biology at several levels of organisation, from organs to cells and proteins. Volume electron microscopy (volume EM) provides high resolution 3D structural information about tissues on the nanometre scale. However, the throughput rate of conventional electron microscopes has limited the volume size and number of samples that can be imaged. Recent improvements in methodology are currently driving a revolution in volume EM, making possible the structural imaging of whole organs and small organisms. In turn, these recent developments in image acquisition have created or stressed bottlenecks in other parts of the pipeline, like sample preparation, image analysis and data management. While the progress in image analysis is stunning due to the advent of automatic segmentation and server-based annotation tools, several challenges remain. Here we discuss recent trends in volume EM, emerging methods for increasing throughput and implications for sample preparation, image analysis and data management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arent J. Kievits
- Department of Imaging PhysicsDelft University of TechnologyDelftThe Netherlands
| | - Ryan Lane
- Department of Imaging PhysicsDelft University of TechnologyDelftThe Netherlands
| | | | - Jacob P. Hoogenboom
- Department of Imaging PhysicsDelft University of TechnologyDelftThe Netherlands
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7
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Peddie CJ, Genoud C, Kreshuk A, Meechan K, Micheva KD, Narayan K, Pape C, Parton RG, Schieber NL, Schwab Y, Titze B, Verkade P, Aubrey A, Collinson LM. Volume electron microscopy. NATURE REVIEWS. METHODS PRIMERS 2022; 2:51. [PMID: 37409324 PMCID: PMC7614724 DOI: 10.1038/s43586-022-00131-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Life exists in three dimensions, but until the turn of the century most electron microscopy methods provided only 2D image data. Recently, electron microscopy techniques capable of delving deep into the structure of cells and tissues have emerged, collectively called volume electron microscopy (vEM). Developments in vEM have been dubbed a quiet revolution as the field evolved from established transmission and scanning electron microscopy techniques, so early publications largely focused on the bioscience applications rather than the underlying technological breakthroughs. However, with an explosion in the uptake of vEM across the biosciences and fast-paced advances in volume, resolution, throughput and ease of use, it is timely to introduce the field to new audiences. In this Primer, we introduce the different vEM imaging modalities, the specialized sample processing and image analysis pipelines that accompany each modality and the types of information revealed in the data. We showcase key applications in the biosciences where vEM has helped make breakthrough discoveries and consider limitations and future directions. We aim to show new users how vEM can support discovery science in their own research fields and inspire broader uptake of the technology, finally allowing its full adoption into mainstream biological imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Peddie
- Electron Microscopy Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Christel Genoud
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anna Kreshuk
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kimberly Meechan
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
- Present address: Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kristina D. Micheva
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kedar Narayan
- Center for Molecular Microscopy, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Constantin Pape
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robert G. Parton
- The Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicole L. Schieber
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yannick Schwab
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit/ Electron Microscopy Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Paul Verkade
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Aubrey Aubrey
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Lucy M. Collinson
- Electron Microscopy Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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8
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Fang N, Birch R, Britton B. Optimizing broad ion beam polishing of zircaloy-4 for electron backscatter diffraction analysis. Micron 2022; 159:103268. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2022.103268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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9
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Dunlop T, Kesteven O, De Rossi F, Davies P, Watson T, Charbonneau C. Exploring the Infiltration Features of Perovskite within Mesoporous Carbon Stack Solar Cells Using Broad Beam Ion Milling. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14195852. [PMID: 34640248 PMCID: PMC8510099 DOI: 10.3390/ma14195852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Carbon perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) are a popular photovoltaic technology currently undergoing extensive development on the global research scene. Whilst their record efficiency now rivals that of silicon PV in small-scale devices, C-PSCs still require considerable development to progress to a commercial-scale product. This study is the first of its kind to use broad beam ion milling for C-PSCs. It investigates how the carbon ink, usually optimised for maximum sheet conductivity, impacts the infiltration of the perovskite into the active layers, which in turn impacts the performance of the cells. Through the use of secondary electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, infiltration defects were revealed relating to carbon flake orientation. The cross sections imaged showed between a 2% and 100% inactive area within the C-PSCs due to this carbon blocking effect. The impact of these defects on the performance of solar cells is considerable, and by better understanding these defects devices can be improved for mass manufacture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Dunlop
- SPECIFIC IKC, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Bay Campus, Swansea University, Fabian Way, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (O.K.); (F.D.R.); (T.W.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Owen Kesteven
- SPECIFIC IKC, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Bay Campus, Swansea University, Fabian Way, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (O.K.); (F.D.R.); (T.W.); (C.C.)
| | - Francesca De Rossi
- SPECIFIC IKC, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Bay Campus, Swansea University, Fabian Way, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (O.K.); (F.D.R.); (T.W.); (C.C.)
| | - Pete Davies
- AIM, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Bay Campus, Swansea University, Fabian Way, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK;
| | - Trystan Watson
- SPECIFIC IKC, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Bay Campus, Swansea University, Fabian Way, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (O.K.); (F.D.R.); (T.W.); (C.C.)
| | - Cecile Charbonneau
- SPECIFIC IKC, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Bay Campus, Swansea University, Fabian Way, Swansea SA1 8EN, UK; (O.K.); (F.D.R.); (T.W.); (C.C.)
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10
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Sample preparation for analytical scanning electron microscopy using initial notch sectioning. Micron 2021; 150:103090. [PMID: 34385109 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2021.103090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A novel method for broad ion beam based sample sectioning using the concept of initial notches is presented. An adapted sample geometry is utilized in order to create terraces with a well-define d step in erosion depth from the surface. The method consists of milling a notch into the surface, followed by glancing-angle ion beam erosion, which leads to preferential erosion at the notch due to increased local surface elevation. The process of terrace formation can be utilized in sample preparation for analytical scanning electron microscopy in order to get efficient access to the depth-dependent microstructure of a material. It is demonstrated that the method can be applied to both conducting and non-conducting specimens. Furthermore, experimental parameters influencing the preparation success are determined. Finally, as a proof-of-concept, an electron backscatter diffraction study on a surface crystallized diopside glass ceramic is performed, where the method is used to analyze orientation dependent crystal growth phenomena occurring during growth of surface crystals into the bulk.
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11
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Correction of artefacts associated with large area EBSD. Ultramicroscopy 2021; 226:113315. [PMID: 34049196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2021.113315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing requirement for the acquisition of large two (2D) or three (3D) dimensional electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) maps. It is a well-known, but largely neglected fact, that EBSD maps may contain distortions. These include long-range distortions, which can be caused by the interaction of the electron beam with the sample geometry and it can also arise from sample or beam drift. In addition there are shorter range artefacts arising from topographical features, such as curtaining. The geometrical distortions can be minimised by careful SEM calibrations and sample alignment. However, the long-range distortions become increasingly prevalent when acquiring large area 2D EBSD maps which take a long time to acquire and thus are especially prone to drift. These distortions are especially evident in serial section tomography (SST) when 2D maps are stacked on top of one another to produce 3D maps. Here we quantify these distortions for large area EBSD data by referencing them to secondary electron (SE) images for 3D-EBSD data acquired on a WCCo hardmetal. Long-range distortions (due to drift) equating to around 10μm across a 200μm x 175 μm area map, and short-range distortions (due to topographical effects) as large as 3 μm over a distance of 40 µm were observed. Methods for correcting these distortions are then proposed. This study illustrates the benefits and necessity of such corrections if morphological features are to be properly interpreted when collecting large 3D EBSD datasets, for example by mechanical sectioning, serial block face SEM ultramicrotomy, laser sectioning, FIB-SEM tomography, PFIB spin milling, etc.
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12
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Gholinia A, Curd ME, Bousser E, Taylor K, Hosman T, Coyle S, Shearer MH, Hunt J, Withers PJ. Coupled Broad Ion Beam–Scanning Electron Microscopy (BIB–SEM) for polishing and three dimensional (3D) serial section tomography (SST). Ultramicroscopy 2020; 214:112989. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2020.112989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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13
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14
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Burnett TL, Withers PJ. Completing the picture through correlative characterization. NATURE MATERIALS 2019; 18:1041-1049. [PMID: 31209389 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-019-0402-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Natural and manufactured materials rely on complex hierarchical microstructures to deliver a suite of interesting properties. To predict and tailor their performance requires a joined-up knowledge of their multiphase microstructure, interfaces, chemistry and crystallography from the nanoscale to the macroscale. This Perspective reflects on how recent developments in correlative characterization can bring together multiple image modalities and maps of the local chemistry, structure and functionality to form rich multimodal and multiscale correlated datasets. The automated collection and digitization of multidimensional data is an essential part of the picture for developing multiscale modelling and 'big data'-driven machine learning approaches. These are needed to both improve our understanding of existing materials and exploit high-throughput combinatorial synthesis, processing and testing methods to develop materials with bespoke properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Burnett
- Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials, School of Materials, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - P J Withers
- Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials, School of Materials, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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15
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Multi-modal plasma focused ion beam serial section tomography of an organic paint coating. Ultramicroscopy 2018; 197:1-10. [PMID: 30439555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pigment distributions have a critical role in the corrosion protection properties of organic paint coatings, but they are difficult to image in 3D over statistically significant volumes and at sufficiently high spatial resolutions required for detailed analysis. Here we report, for the first time, large volume analytical serial sectioning tomography of an organic composite coating using a xenon Plasma Focused Ion Beam (PFIB) combined with secondary electron imaging, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrum imaging (SI) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). Together these techniques provide a comprehensive quantitative description of the physical orientation and distribution of the pigments within a model marine ballast tank coating, as well as their crystallographic and elemental characterisation. Polymers and organic materials are challenging because of their propensity for ion beam damage and possible beam heating effects. Our novel, optimised block preparation technique permits automated data acquisition with minimal operator intervention, and can have significant applications for the structural and chemical characterisation of a wide range of organic materials. Our results revealed that the paint contained 7.5 vol% aluminium flakes and 25 vol% quartz particles. The aluminium flakes were oriented parallel to the substrate surface, which is beneficial in terms of the corrosion protection capability of the coating.
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16
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Perkins CL, Beall C, Reese MO, Barnes TM. Two-Dimensional Cadmium Chloride Nanosheets in Cadmium Telluride Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:20561-20565. [PMID: 28499090 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b03671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study we make use of a liquid nitrogen-based thermomechanical cleavage technique and a surface analysis cluster tool to probe in detail the tin oxide/emitter interface at the front of completed CdTe solar cells. We show that this thermomechanical cleavage occurs within a few angstroms of the SnO2/emitter interface. An unexpectedly high concentration of chlorine at this interface, ∼20%, was determined from a calculation that assumed a uniform chlorine distribution. Angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to further probe the structure of the chlorine-containing layer, revealing that both sides of the cleave location are covered by one-third of a unit cell of pure CdCl2, a thickness corresponding to about one Cl-Cd-Cl molecular layer. We interpret this result in the context of CdCl2 being a true layered material similar to transition-metal dichalcogenides. Exposing cleaved surfaces to water shows that this Cl-Cd-Cl trilayer is soluble, raising questions pertinent to cell reliability. Our work provides new and unanticipated details about the structure and chemistry of front surface interfaces and should prove important to improving materials, processes, and reliability of next-generation CdTe-based solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig L Perkins
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Carolyn Beall
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Matthew O Reese
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
| | - Teresa M Barnes
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
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