Use of Metastable Atom Probe for the Study of Electron Dynamics

1971 ◽  
Vol 39 (9) ◽  
pp. 993-996
Author(s):  
J. Thomas Dickinson ◽  
James M. Lockhart ◽  
Jens C. Zorn
Keyword(s):  
Atom Probe ◽  
Metastable Atom ◽  
Electron Dynamics

Preferential Sputtering of Ni3Al Single Crystals Studied Using Atom-Probe Field-Ion Microscopy and XPS

1981 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 16-17
Author(s):  
M.P. Thomas ◽  
A.R. Waugh ◽  
M.J. Southon ◽  
Brian Ralph
Keyword(s):  
Single Crystals ◽  
Photoelectron Spectroscopy ◽  
Surface Composition ◽  
Depth Profiling ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Atom Probe ◽  
Probe Field ◽  
Preferential Sputtering ◽  
Argon Ion Bombardment ◽  
Argon Ion

It is well known that ion-induced sputtering from numerous multicomponent targets results in marked changes in surface composition (1). Preferential removal of one component results in surface enrichment in the less easily removed species. In this investigation, a time-of-flight atom-probe field-ion microscope A.P. together with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy XPS have been used to monitor alterations in surface composition of Ni3Al single crystals under argon ion bombardment. The A.P. has been chosen for this investigation because of its ability using field evaporation to depth profile through a sputtered surface without the need for further ion sputtering. Incident ion energy and ion dose have been selected to reflect conditions widely used in surface analytical techniques for cleaning and depth-profiling of samples, typically 3keV and 1018 - 1020 ion m-2.

High-resolution x-ray imaging of small copper-rich precipitates in steels

1988 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 528-529
Author(s):  
J. R. Michael ◽  
K. A. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Thermomechanical Processing ◽  
Atom Probe ◽  
Ferrite Matrix ◽  
Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope ◽  
Probe Field ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Subsequent Transformation ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Scanning Transmission

Although copper is considered an incidental or trace element in many commercial steels, some grades contain up to 1-2 wt.% Cu for precipitation strengthening. Previous electron microscopy and atom-probe/field-ion microscopy (AP/FIM) studies indicate that the precipitation of copper from ferrite proceeds with the formation of Cu-rich bcc zones and the subsequent transformation of these zones to fcc copper particles. However, the similarity between the atomic scattering amplitudes for iron and copper and the small misfit between between Cu-rich particles and the ferrite matrix preclude the detection of small (<5 nm) Cu-rich particles by conventional transmission electron microscopy; such particles have been imaged directly only by FIM. Here results are presented whereby the Cu Kα x-ray signal was used in a dedicated scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) to image small Cu-rich particles in a steel. The capability to detect these small particles is expected to be helpful in understanding the behavior of copper in steels during thermomechanical processing and heat treatment.

Atom-probe analysis of the solid-liquid interface

1995 ◽  
Vol 53 ◽  
pp. 676-677
Author(s):  
J.A. Panitz
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Level ◽  
Selective Adsorption ◽  
Electronic Devices ◽  
Atom Probe ◽  
Chemical Agent ◽  
Hostile Environment ◽  
Solid Interface ◽  
Solid Liquid Interface ◽  
Solid Liquid ◽  
Chemically Selective

The first few atomic layers of a solid can form a barrier between its interior and an often hostile environment. Although adsorption at the vacuum-solid interface has been studied in great detail, little is known about adsorption at the liquid-solid interface. Adsorption at a liquid-solid interface is of intrinsic interest, and is of technological importance because it provides a way to coat a surface with monolayer or multilayer structures. A pinhole free monolayer (with a reasonable dielectric constant) could lead to the development of nanoscale capacitors with unique characteristics and lithographic resists that surpass the resolution of their conventional counterparts. Chemically selective adsorption is of particular interest because it can be used to passivate a surface from external modification or change the wear and the lubrication properties of a surface to reflect new and useful properties. Immunochemical adsorption could be used to fabricate novel molecular electronic devices or to construct small, “smart”, unobtrusive sensors with the potential to detect a wide variety of preselected species at the molecular level. These might include a particular carcinogen in the environment, a specific type of explosive, a chemical agent, a virus, or even a tumor in the human body.

A Comparison of Tem and Apfim to the Interpretation of Modulated Microstructures

1985 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 70-71
Author(s):  
M.G. Burke ◽  
M.K. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Microstructural Characterization ◽  
Superlattice Reflection ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Atom Probe ◽  
Dark Field ◽  
Miscibility Gap ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Probe Field

Interpretation of fine-scale microstructures containing high volume fractions of second phase is complex. In particular, microstructures developed through decomposition within low temperature miscibility gaps may be extremely fine. This paper compares the morphological interpretations of such complex microstructures by the high-resolution techniques of TEM and atom probe field-ion microscopy (APFIM).The Fe-25 at% Be alloy selected for this study was aged within the low temperature miscibility gap to form a <100> aligned two-phase microstructure. This triaxially modulated microstructure is composed of an Fe-rich ferrite phase and a B2-ordered Be-enriched phase. The microstructural characterization through conventional bright-field TEM is inadequate because of the many contributions to image contrast. The ordering reaction which accompanies spinodal decomposition in this alloy permits simplification of the image by the use of the centered dark field technique to image just one phase. A CDF image formed with a B2 superlattice reflection is shown in fig. 1. In this CDF micrograph, the the B2-ordered Be-enriched phase appears as bright regions in the darkly-imaging ferrite. By examining the specimen in a [001] orientation, the <100> nature of the modulations is evident.

An Improved Method for the Preparation and TEM Examination of Sharp Pointed Tips used in APFIM and STM

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-103
Author(s):  
E.A. Fischione ◽  
P.E. Fischione ◽  
J.J. Haugh ◽  
M.G. Burke
Keyword(s):  
Atom Probe ◽  
Preparation Process ◽  
Improved Method ◽  
Ion Milling ◽  
Polishing Process ◽  
Probe Field ◽  
Scanning Tunnelling ◽  
Stm Tips ◽  
Tunnelling Microscopy ◽  
Ion Microscopy

A common requirement for both Atom Probe Field-Ion Microscopy (APFIM) and Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy (STM) is a sharp pointed tip for use as either the specimen (APFIM) or the probe (STM). Traditionally, tips have been prepared by either chemical or electropolishing techniques. Recently, ion-milling has been successfully employed in the production of APFIM tips [1]. Conventional electropolishing techniques are applicable to a wide variety of metals, but generally require careful manual adjustments during the polishing process and may also be time-consuming. In order to reduce the time and effort involved in the preparation process, a compact, self-contained polishing unit has been developed. This system is based upon the conventional two-stage electropolishing technique in which the specimen/tip blank is first locally thinned or “necked”, and subsequently electropolished until separation occurs.[2,3] The result of this process is the production of two APFIM or STM tips. A mechanized polishing unit that provides these functions while automatically maintaining alignment has been designed and developed.

Atomic Spectroscopy in the FIM

1986 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. 758-761
Author(s):  
J. J. Hren ◽  
S. D. Walck
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Electric Fields ◽  
Atom Probe ◽  
Atomic Spectroscopy ◽  
Single Atom ◽  
Statistical Sampling ◽  
Commercial Instrument ◽  
Available Technology ◽  
High Electric Fields ◽  
Field Ion Microscope

The field ion microscope (FIM) has had the ability to routinely image the surface atoms of metals since Mueller perfected it in 1956. Since 1967, the TOF Atom Probe has had single atom sensitivity in conjunction with the FIM. “Why then hasn't the FIM enjoyed the success of the electron microscope?” The answer is closely related to the evolution of FIM/Atom Probe techniques and the available technology. This paper will review this evolution from Mueller's early discoveries, to the development of a viable commercial instrument. It will touch upon some important contributions of individuals and groups, but will not attempt to be all inclusive. Variations in instrumentation that define the class of problems for which the FIM/AP is uniquely suited and those for which it is not will be described. The influence of high electric fields inherent to the technique on the specimens studied will also be discussed. The specimen geometry as it relates to preparation, statistical sampling and compatibility with the TEM will be examined.

Ordering in Ni4Mo by TEM and APFIM

1987 ◽  
Vol 45 ◽  
pp. 214-215
Author(s):  
E.A. Kenik ◽  
T.A. Zagula ◽  
M.K. Miller ◽  
J. Bentley
Keyword(s):  
Electron Irradiation ◽  
Low Temperatures ◽  
Short Range ◽  
Atom Probe ◽  
Range Order ◽  
Considerable Time ◽  
Probe Field ◽  
Disordered Phase ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Diffraction Patterns

The state of long-range order (LRO) and short-range order (SRO) in Ni4Mo has been a topic of interest for a considerable time (see Brooks et al.). The SRO is often referred to as 1½0 order from the apparent position of the diffuse maxima in diffraction patterns, which differs from the positions of the LRO (D1a) structure. Various studies have shown that a fully disordered state cannot be retained by quenching, as the atomic arrangements responsible for the 1½0 maxima are present at temperatures above the critical ordering temperature for LRO. Over 20 studies have attempted to identify the atomic arrangements associated with this state of order. A variety of models have been proposed, but no consensus has been reached. It has also been shown that 1 MeV electron irradiation at low temperatures (∼100 K) can produce the disordered phase in Ni4Mo. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atom probe field ion microscopy (APFIM), and electron irradiation disordering have been applied in the current study to further the understanding of the ordering processes in Ni4Mo.

Field ion microscope investigations of atomic processes at surfaces

1989 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. 228-229
Author(s):  
G. L. Kellogg ◽  
P. R. Schwoebel
Keyword(s):  
Single Crystal ◽  
Crystal Surface ◽  
Linear Chain ◽  
Atom Probe ◽  
Nucleation And Growth ◽  
Single Atom ◽  
Initial Structure ◽  
Atomic Processes ◽  
Single Crystal Surfaces ◽  
Field Ion Microscope

Although no longer unique in its ability to resolve individual single atoms on surfaces, the field ion microscope remains a powerful tool for the quantitative characterization of atomic processes on single-crystal surfaces. Investigations of single-atom surface diffusion, adatom-adatom interactions, surface reconstructions, cluster nucleation and growth, and a variety of surface chemical reactions have provided new insights to the atomic nature of surfaces. Moreover, the ability to determine the chemical identity of selected atoms seen in the field ion microscope image by atom-probe mass spectroscopy has increased or even changed our understanding of solid-state-reaction processes such as ordering, clustering, precipitation and segregation in alloys. This presentation focuses on the operational principles of the field-ion microscope and atom-probe mass spectrometer and some very recent applications of the field ion microscope to the nucleation and growth of metal clusters on metal surfaces.The structure assumed by clusters of atoms on a single-crystal surface yields fundamental information on the adatom-adatom interactions important in crystal growth. It was discovered in previous investigations with the field ion microscope that, contrary to intuition, the initial structure of clusters of Pt, Pd, Ir and Ni atoms on W(110) is a linear chain oriented in the <111> direction of the substrate.

Characterisation of multilayer materials using a position-sensitive atom probe

1990 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 624-625
Author(s):  
RAD Mackenzie ◽  
G D W Smith ◽  
A. Cerezo ◽  
J A Liddle ◽  
CRM Grovenor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quantum Well ◽  
Quantum Wells ◽  
Spatial Information ◽  
Chemical Vapour ◽  
Atom Probe ◽  
Organic Chemical ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Multiple Quantum ◽  
Quartz Wool ◽  
Position Sensitive

The position sensitive atom probe (POSAP), described briefly elsewhere in these proceedings, permits both chemical and spatial information in three dimensions to be recorded from a small volume of material. This technique is particularly applicable to situations where there are fine scale variations in composition present in the material under investigation. We report the application of the POSAP to the characterisation of semiconductor multiple quantum wells and metallic multilayers.The application of devices prepared from quantum well materials depends on the ability to accurately control both the quantum well composition and the quality of the interfaces between the well and barrier layers. A series of metal organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) grown GaInAs-InP quantum wells were examined after being prepared under three different growth conditions. These samples were observed using the POSAP in order to study both the composition of the wells and the interface morphology. The first set of wells examined were prepared in a conventional reactor to which a quartz wool baffle had been added to promote gas intermixing. The effect of this was to hold a volume of gas within the chamber between growth stages, leading to a structure where the wells had a composition of GalnAsP lattice matched to the InP barriers, and where the interfaces were very indistinct. A POSAP image showing a well in this sample is shown in figure 1. The second set of wells were grown in the same reactor but with the quartz wool baffle removed. This set of wells were much better defined, as can be seen in figure 2, and the wells were much closer to the intended composition, but still with measurable levels of phosphorus. The final set of wells examined were prepared in a reactor where the design had the effect of minimizing the recirculating volume of gas. In this case there was again further improvement in the well quality. It also appears that the left hand side of the well in figure 2 is more abrupt than the right hand side, indicating that the switchover at this interface from barrier to well growth is more abrupt than the switchover at the other interface.

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