HR-TEM services

Institute of Physics at University of Tartu offers possibility to use high resolution analytical transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) services for determination of solid/condensed matter structure, including crystal structure analyses via electron diffraction; determination of particles and crystallites size; defect location and analyses; determination of chemical (except H and He) composition by Energy Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), chemical shift measurements by Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS); determination and visualization of existence, distribution and concentration of elements – all of this in micro-, nano- and sub-nanometer level with a spatial resolution of 0.08 nm. For HR-TEM measurements, the bulk samples need to be thinned to sub micrometer thickness while nanoparticles have to be deposited onto a special sample holder. In particular cases, samples could be measured at temperatures up to 1000 °C.

                    

High-angle annular dark field STEM image of cross-section of an ALD grown ZrO₂/Co₃O₄ nanolaminate on Si substrate (left) and Zr (middle) and Co (right) maps of the same cross-section.

Services include:

• consultation – scientific and/or technical matters will be discussed with a client and evaluated, if chosen methods or analyses will meet the client interest or whether there is a need for additional data/research like the High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (HR-SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) etc;

• sample preparation needed for HR-TEM measurements;

• sample measurement done by a qualified and experienced operator;

• interpretation and analysis of the measurements results (if needed);

• development activities that the given infrastructure allows for solving specific problems of the client, i.e. new research methods or specific measurements can be developed and/or implemented;

• research – our specialists work closely with the client to solve their complex problems. Normally these are the situations where single analysis or measurement is not enough and the scientific-technical problem needs wider investigations.

There is possibility for training courses, related to the methods of (nano-) material characterization, for the technical staff of clients.

Contact person: Kaupo Kukli (e-mail: kaupo.kukli@ut.ee)

Operator: Jekaterina Kozlova (e-mail: jekaterina.kozlova@ut.ee)

Estonian Research Infrastructures Roadmap object „Center of nanomaterials technologies and research (NAMUR+)” is co-fundeded by European Regional Development Fund (projects „Nanomaterials – research and applications“, 3.2.0304.12-0397, 01.02.2012-31.12.2015 and „Center of nanomaterials technologies and research”, 2014-2020.4.01.16-0123, 01.01.2017-30.06.2022).