MagTEM2 - the next generation microscope for imaging functional materials

Started

Other Cross-Cutting Technologies or Research
Not Energy Related

Equipment

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Metallurgy and Materials)

Not Cross-cutting

Professor S McVitie
School of Physics and Astronomy
University of Glasgow

Standard

EPSRC

01 April 2024

31 March 2029

60 months

£4,900,000

Chemical measurement

Scotland

NC : Infrastructure

Professor S McVitie, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow

Dr T P Almeida, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow
Dr D Boldrin, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow
Dr K Fallon, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow
Dr DA MacLaren, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow
Dr I MacLaren, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow

OUR AIM is to commission a user-accessible scanning transmission electron microscope for high resolution imaging and analysis of functional materials in a field-free environment.OUR OBJECTIVES are summarised as: INSTALLATION of the new instrument, named MagTEM2, in collaboration with manufacturers; DEMONSTRATION of MagTEM2's unique capabilities for field-free imaging alongside world-class analytical techniques; EXTENSION of our user-base; and generation of IMPACT.Our focus is not simply to maximise spatial resolution as that compromises other modalities. A single-purpose microscope will not reveal the structure-function links that underpin all materials science. Rather, we will ensure that functional imaging is world class. MagTEM2 will enable multimodal imaging to correlate structure, electro-magnetic functionality and chemical identity down to the atomic scale. Spectroscopic energy resolution, improved through monochromation of the STEM beam, will enable enhanced chemical discrimination and imaging of vibrational and plasmonic modes. High-speed detectors, coupled with potentially gigahertz electrical stimulation of devices, will push the time resolution of MagTEM2 far beyond current capabilities. MagTEM2 will also provide opportunities for doctoral training, the professional development of technical staff and outreach activities. Critically, it will be available to external users, operating alongside substantial complementary infrastructure for materials research at the University of Glasgow. We have assembled a consortium of ~100 academic and industrial users, with wide-ranging ambitions for research that is not currently possible in the UK. Their interests range from developing the next generation of magnetic data storage to the design of materials that will contribute to global goals for climate change mitigation

15/05/24